Science Majors Participate in Month-long Singapore-PH Leadership Exchange Program

Program participants at Mt. Pinatubo (Photo credit: Lillian Rodriguez).


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Students of the UP Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) and the Republic Polytechnic in Singapore (RP) immersed themselves in the month-long Temasek Foundation International Specialists’ Community Action and Leadership Exchange (TFI SCALE) Programme, the first half taking place in Singapore on September 6 to 19, 2023, and the second half in the Philippines last March 31 to April 8, 2024.

The TFI SCALE Programme aims to promote cultural, cognitive, social, and emotional engagements among Southeast Asian youths. In the 9th iteration of the program, students from the National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS), Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB), and National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPD-CS NIMBB) collaborated with students from RP’s School of Applied Sciences.

As part of the program in the Philippines, the exchange students visited Mt. Pinatubo, the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), and the Parañaque Science High School (ParSci) to explore the country's climate, biodiversity, research, and sustainability issues.

The participants were divided into three groups: the microplastics group which examined the presence of microplastics in Manila Bay, the coliform group which investigated human and animal waste in the bay, and the mangrove cleanup trash segregation group which surveyed various types of trash found in the protected mangrove area of LPPWP.




Participants performing a clean-up drive at LPPWP (Photo credit: Lillian Rodriguez).


They also conducted a Youth Community Engagement Program for Grade 7 students of ParSci. The outreach program included activities meant to raise awareness of climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability among ParSci students, especially since the school is located right beside one of the major tributaries of Manila Bay.

In her closing remarks, Program Coordinator Dr. Lillian Jennifer Rodriguez underscored the program’s importance in teaching the youth about sustainability, building lifelong ties, and producing future leaders. “You are our future leaders,” she said, reminding them of their responsibility to apply the knowledge they have gained from the program.

Last April 4, 2024, UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the presence of RP officials, solidifying future partnerships between the two institutions. The MOU stated that both parties will collaborate on the “exchange of students, including student internship; joint lectures, research activities, symposia, and projects; exchange of academic materials, publications, and information; and exchange of academic staff.”




MOU signing by UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II and RP’s Senior Director (Student Services) Mr. Ashley Chua at UPD-CS Administration Building Auditorium (Photo credit: Jefferson Villacruz, UP Diliman Information Office).

“This program fostered a rich exchange of experiences,” said Raymond Gallego, one of the program’s participants and student of UPD-CS NIGS, in his testimonial. “The formalization of this partnership between UP Diliman and Republic Polytechnic definitely paves the way for more students to forge friendships, expand their knowledge, and strengthen relations between our countries.”

Aside from Gallego, the CS students who completed the program were Francesca Petero, Alena Taladua, Kristina Marie Dela Cruz, Johannah Isabel Sengson, Florence Maryanna Agcaoili, Sabine Alexa Guinto, Martine Gabrielle Rosete, Josef Emil Artiaga, Sean Michael Maghirang, John Daniel Regala, John Nash Guzon, and Glenn Vallespin.


By Harvey Sapigao

Video Documentary Launch and Forum on Mercury-Added Skin-Lightening Products

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In commemoration of Earth Day on April 22, 2024, BAN Toxics and La Consolacion University Philippines (LCUP) in Malolos, Bulacan, through their partnership via the Toxic-Free Schools Program (TFSP) will be holding a video documentary launch and forum on mercury-added skin-lightening products (SLPs) and their hazardous effects to human health and the environment.


When: Apr 22, 2024 | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Kalinangan Auditorium, La Consolacion University Philippines Main Campus, Malolos Bulacan

Audience: An estimated 1,200 senior high students are expected to attend the forum, along with members of the LCUP academe and other esteemed guests.


Photo Opportunity:

- During the forum proper, there will be an XRF testing of SLPs available in the market to demonstrate the mercury content of these products

- Mockup of mercury-added SLPs with slogans as well as placards will be available; the senior high students attending the forum are also expected to bring their own placards.


Personalities available for Interview:

A representative from the Food and Drug Administration is expected to attend the forum as one of the speakers and will be available for interview, along with members of the LCUP academe and BAN Toxics.


About the video documentary:

"The Dark Side of Skin-Lightening" is a 13-minute short documentary shedding light on the hidden dangers lurking within many skin-lightening products readily available in the Philippines. Produced by environmental NGO BAN Toxics with support from the European Environmental Bureau, the documentary uncovers the dangers posed by mercury-laden skin-lightening products, providing insight into their impact on human health and the environment.

Creating a Quality Study Space: Tips for Grad Students

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Furnishing the right study environment can be a game-changer for graduate students, whose success often hinges on the ability to focus and assimilate complex information. An ideal study space promotes concentration, enhances learning, and can even reduce stress. Whether you're tackling a thesis or preparing for examinations, your physical workspace is pivotal in shaping your academic journey. In this article, we explore essential elements and practical suggestions for creating a study space that meets the unique demands of grad school life. Keep reading for tips that can be instrumental in your scholarly achievements. 

Selecting the Ideal Location for Maximum Concentration

Choosing where to study is the foundational block of building an effective study space. Ambiance and isolation are key factors; a quiet room with a door can significantly reduce interruptions from housemates or family. For those living in bustling environments, noise-canceling headphones might be a worthwhile investment. Consideration of natural light is also vital. A room with ample daylight can boost your mood and help maintain a natural rhythm for sleeping and waking. However, ensure that the brightness does not produce glare on your study materials, as this can strain your eyes over long periods. Among the myriad elements to consider for such a space, the presence of plants can be surprisingly beneficial. Incorporating a fake indoor tree can enhance the aesthetic appeal and create a calming, nature-like environment without the maintenance required by real plants. 

Organizational Tools and Strategies for Study Materials

A cluttered study space can mirror a cluttered mind. Grad students should use organizational tools to keep track of notes, books, and digital files. Shelving units, drawer organizers, and desk trays can all facilitate quick access to materials while maintaining a tidy appearance. Digital organization is equally vital, especially in the age of extensive online resources and research. Implement a consistent file-naming system and use cloud storage for backup. Consider apps or software designed to help academics manage their research, citations, and data. For those pursuing complex study paths that require attention to detail, such as a Master's of Applied Behavior Analysis, keeping abreast of your academic literature and continuously planning for upcoming modules in your master's degree program are critical components of organizational strategy.

Ergonomics and Comfort in Study Space Design Ergonomics—an often-overlooked aspect of study spaces—requires serious consideration. The right chair and desk setup can prevent chronic pain and foster longer, more productive study sessions. Choose a chair with proper lumbar support and ensure that your feet rest flat on the ground or a footrest. Invest in a desk that accommodates your height and equipment comfortably. Keyboard and mouse placement is also crucial for avoiding strain; they should be positioned so that your elbows rest at a 90-degree angle. Multiple monitors, if used, should be at eye level to prevent neck strain. Remember, comfort enhances productivity, making ergonomic investments essential.

Keep in mind that comfort goes beyond physical support. Temperature control can influence concentration and energy levels, so aim for a space that remains cool but not cold. Layering your clothing can be a simple yet effective way to manage personal comfort throughout your study session. 

Minimizing Distractions for Enhanced Focus

A grad student's study space should minimize distractions as much as possible. This includes managing digital interruptions. Keep your phone on silent mode or use apps that block social media during study hours. Ensure that your study-only computer is free from games or non-academic browsing shortcuts. Sound can be difficult to control, but white noise machines or background sounds like soft instrumental music can mask intermittent noises from outside your study haven. Also, brief family or roommates about your study schedule to prevent accidental disturbances during critical study times. Organizational systems within your study zone can reduce visual clutter, which otherwise might pull your focus away from the task at hand. Having a tidy, designated spot for each of your study materials means you spend less time searching for things and more time on productive work. Another tactic to keep your mind from wandering is to incorporate brief, structured breaks into your study routine—using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. This helps to refresh your mind and maintain a highhigh level of focus during your designated study periods. Overall, a thoughtfully designed study space is instrumental in a grad student's educational success. By personalizing your workspace to suit your individual needs, you'll be poised to tackle the challenging and rewarding journey of graduate studies head-on.