Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions

31/12/2025

🎆 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥! 🎆

As we welcome another year, we reflect on a journey shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to knowledge.

This new year brings fresh questions to explore, challenges to address, and opportunities to turn ideas into impact.

Here’s to a year of discovery, integrity, and shared progress. Thank you to our researchers, partners, and stakeholders for being part of the work we do.

✨ 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿!!!

30/12/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 || 𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗖𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗠 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅

The Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES) welcomed delegates from the LGU Butuan City Council for a benchmarking activity held on 𝟭𝟭 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, centered on advancing Science, Technology, Innovation, and ICT for sustainable local governance.

The activity was graced by 𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘀, Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology, and 𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮, Chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, together with their respective staff.

During the engagement, CGNIES researchers presented the various research projects housed under the Center, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with the LGU Butuan delegation. The discussions highlighted how research-driven, nanotechnology-enabled solutions can support evidence-based policymaking and environmental initiatives at the local government level.

This benchmarking activity was made possible through the invaluable assistance of the Quality Management Office and the Research and Innovation Center, fostering meaningful dialogue between the academe and local government toward sustainable and innovation-led development.

30/12/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 ||

Last 05 December 2025, CGNIES researchers and Balik Sceintists had productive discussions with 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗥. 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗮 as we explored potential collaboration on innovative approaches to pest management in coffee—focusing on biologically based, targeted strategies that support sustainability and on-farm efficiency.

Dr. Digma is a researcher and faculty member at the Department of Biological Sciences, Cavite State University Main Campus with interestes in the field of biological sciences and entomology—expertise that aligns well with the project’s direction.

This meeting was made possible through Dr. Terence Al Abaquita, PCAARRD Balik Scientist and project consultant. From University of Mindanao, participants included Dr. Khino Parohinog (OIC IET Director), Engr. Crijamaica Godoy (Project Leader), and Engr. Jayvee Moore Dy (Project Staff), as part of the project proposal discussions.

We are looking forward to the next steps and meaningful collaborations ahead.

28/12/2025

✨ 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧! ✨

Today we celebrate not only another year, but also the steady dedication and passion you bring to the Pa²CeCLAB project. As a researcher, your commitment, focus, and professionalism continue to strengthen the work we do as a team, and we truly appreciate the role you play in moving the project forward.

Beyond research, your creative touch quietly adds value to our social media presence, helping shape how our work is shared and seen. It reflects the kind of teammate you are—reliable, thoughtful, and always willing to contribute in more ways than one.

Birthday na ni Halden, birthday na ni Halden, birthday na ni Halden, birthday na ni Halden ngayon get get awww!

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝗯𝗼𝗺𝗯 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗡 ❤️

Thank you for your hard work, your support, and the positive energy you bring to the group. Wishing you a year filled with growth, fulfillment, and well-deserved successes. 🥳

Enjoy your special day, Engr. Halden! 🎂

24/12/2025

🎄✨ 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦!!! ✨🎄

Never too late to wish everyone a happy christmas!

May your day be filled with warmth, laughter, and the kind of joy that lingers long after the lights are turned off. Here’s to cozy moments, shared meals, heartfelt conversations, and hope for a brighter year ahead, wherever you are.

Wishing you peace, love, and all the little miracles this season brings.

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗼 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗦! 🎁🌟

17/12/2025

𝗝𝗢𝗕 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗢

Time to make your own plot twist, Ga! The University of Mindanao is looking for a Laboratory Custodian to be assigned at the RIC - Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (Preferably Engineering Graduate)

For interested applicants, hurry and click the link: https://tinyurl.com/mhmu6d9t

12/12/2025

UMBEL has a new DOST-PCAARRD project (potential implementation next year) to be supervised by the Crops Research Division (CRD) and DOST Balik Scientists: Dr. Angelo Bañares (expertise: metabolic engineering & synthetic biology) and Dr. Terence Al Abaquita (expertise: entomology).

What you will learn under expert mentorship:

Molecular & biotech skills: cloning/transformation, plasmid design, pathway construction, expression engineering, and strain optimization common in genetic/metabolic engineering and synthetic biology workflows.

Insect science: behavioral and toxicological assays, plus foundational neurobiology and chronobiology relevant to insect research.

UMBEL has a new DOST-PCAARRD project (implementation period: 1st quarter of 2026 until December 2028) to be supervised by the Crops Research Division (CRD) and DOST Balik Scientists: Dr. Angelo Bañares (expertise: metabolic engineering & synthetic biology) and Dr. Terence Al Abaquita (expertise: entomology).

What you will learn under expert mentorship:

Molecular & biotech skills: cloning/transformation, plasmid design, pathway construction, expression engineering, and strain optimization common in genetic/metabolic engineering and synthetic biology workflows.

Insect science: behavioral and toxicological assays, plus foundational neurobiology and chronobiology relevant to insect research.

11/12/2025

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐅𝐏𝐑𝐃𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬

The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) and the University of Mindanao (UM) are exploring a new R&D collaboration focused on nanotechnology, advanced materials, and other emerging fields that promote the sustainable use of agricultural and forest-based resources.

In a meeting held on November 26, 2025, both institutions discussed possible partnerships on student internships, joint research proposals on nanotechnology and indigenous materials, shared use of facilities, and exchange of technical expertise.

DOST–FPRDI OIC Deputy Director Fernando C. Pitargue, Jr. highlighted the importance of engaging with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to drive innovation in forest-based industries. Meanwhile, Dr. Khino Parohinog, OIC Director of the Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES), expressed strong interest in the collaboration and the opportunities it opens for their faculty and students.

Both parties will now work on formalizing an MOU and identifying specific projects under the partnership.



Photo courtesy: Suzanne Odejar

11/12/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗖𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗢𝗔 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗣𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗗 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀

The University of Mindanao proudly announces the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Project AgilaCom and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), marking a major milestone in advancing defense communication and disaster resilience technologies in the Philippines.

Project AgilaCom, led by Engr. Bernard Camacho of the College of Engineering Education with his project team members - Engr. Egi Joe Fran D. Morales, Engr. Rolieven P. Cañizares, Ms. Charisse Barbosa, Dr. Ramcis Vilchez, Somerset Elcid Siang, and Mel John Aborde-, is designed to address long-standing communication vulnerabilities within the Philippine Army (PA)—especially in remote, conflict-prone, and disaster-affected regions across Mindanao.

With its partnership with the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, AgilaCom aligns with national S&T priorities on defense modernization and disaster resilience. Project AgilaCom aims to address long-standing communication challenges within the Philippine Army, particularly in remote, disaster-prone, and conflict-affected areas across Mindanao, where fragmented and unreliable communication systems have historically hindered coordination and operational effectiveness—issues made evident during crises such as the Marawi Siege (2017) and Typhoon Haiyan (2013). The project seeks to unify diverse communication technologies into a secure, locally developed platform that supports real-time data sharing, encrypted channels, intelligent routing, and full interoperability between field units, mobile support teams, and command centers.

The initiative is further strengthened through the support of DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony Sales, whose call for locally engineered solutions inspired UM to respond through this transformative communication technology project.

The MOA signing between AgilaCom and DOST-PCIEERD marks more than just a formal agreement—it signifies a shared commitment to building a safer, more resilient nation through science, technology, and innovation.

As Project AgilaCom advances, it hopes to deliver a communication system built by Filipinos, for Filipinos—ensuring efficient coordination, faster response, and improved decision-making during both military engagements and emergency operations.

11/12/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗚𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗣𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗗 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗢𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

A new chapter in sustainable innovation begins as Project GlycEcol and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) officially formalize their cooperation through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing.

This partnership marks a significant milestone for Philippine biotechnology as Project GlycEcol—led by Mr. Mark Angelou Siega with its Project Balik Scientist Dr. Angelo Bañares and his project staff Ms. Shaina Lou Palar—advances a pioneering approach to plastic upcycling. The project aims to engineer non-pathogenic E. coli bacteria capable of breaking down PET plastic (commonly found in beverage bottles) and directly converting it into glycolic acid, a high-value ingredient widely used in cosmetics and skincare products.

What sets this project apart is its trailblazing vision:
👉 It is set to be the first in the world to demonstrate the direct microbial conversion of PET into glycolic acid, establishing a novel biotechnology route for turning plastic waste into valuable chemicals.

With the newly signed MOA, DOST-PCIEERD brings essential support and guidance, strengthening the project’s potential to scale into an impactful national innovation. This cooperation reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, scientific progress, and practical solutions to the country’s growing plastic waste challenge.

As Project GlycEcol moves forward, the team hopes to set a new standard for plastic upcycling and help build a circular economy where waste becomes a resource and biotechnology leads the way toward a cleaner future.

07/12/2025

𝗪𝗘`𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗬!

Madayaw!

Thank you for taking the time to participate in our survey.

We are conducting a survey to understand the hopes, expectations, and sentiments of Davaoeños for the City of Davao this Christmas season.

This survey will take approximately 5 - 7 minutes to complete. Please note that all information you provide will remain strictly confidential and will only be used for survey purposes. There are no right or wrong answers, and we encourage you to respond honestly based on your opinions and experiences.

The survey link is https://tinyurl.com/IPOHopeforDavao.

By continuing with the survey, you are providing your informed consent for us to collect and use your responses for the purposes stated above. Please take the time to read and understand the following questions and provide your honest and accurate responses.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the survey or your participation, please do not hesitate to contact us: rpc_ipo@umindanao.edu.ph.

Your consent to participate in this survey is greatly appreciated, and we assure you that your responses will be used for research purposes only. Thank you for your cooperation!

Thank you for taking part in this survey. We are conducting a survey to understand the hopes, expectations, and sentiments of Davaoeños for the City of Davao this Christmas season. This survey will take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. Please note that all information you provide will remain ...

05/12/2025

✨ 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧! ✨

The Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES) family warmly greets 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗷𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗢. 𝗚𝗼𝗱𝗼𝘆, our dedicated Project Technical Assistant IV under the DOST-PCIEERD funded project “𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗻: 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀.” 💚

May your birthday be filled with happiness, inspiration, and the appreciation you truly deserve for everything you do. Wishing you even greater success, new opportunities, and impactful accomplishments in the coming year. 🌟 Cheers to more amazing milestones with you at CGNIES! 🥂💚

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗷𝗮! 🎁💖

- From your CGNIES Family ❤