Mindanao Journal of Science and Technology

20/08/2026

🦅🌿 **Protecting a Wetland, Protecting More Than Birds!**

The **Canarem Lake Bird Sanctuary** in Victoria, Tarlac, is a 116-hectare wetland that provides an important refuge for endemic, resident, and migratory birds. But its vegetation also plays another vital role: **storing carbon**. 🌳🌎

This study assessed the sanctuary’s aboveground biomass and found an estimated **687–1,263 tonnes of biomass**, equivalent to about **5.90–10.89 tonnes per hectare**.

🔍 **Why it matters:**
The sanctuary’s trees, bamboo, and other vegetation not only provide habitat for wildlife but also contribute to **carbon storage and climate resilience**.

💡 Protecting Canarem Lake means protecting **biodiversity, carbon stocks, and the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems**. Conservation efforts should therefore promote native biodiversity while strengthening the sanctuary’s role in climate change mitigation.

Access the full paper here: https://mjst.ustp.edu.ph/index.php/mjst/article/view/2605

20/08/2026

🔬✨ Making Nanomaterials Brighter and More Stable!

Researchers explored a way to improve Fe₃O₄@CQD nanocomposites by coating them with polylactic acid (PLA)—a biodegradable polymer. The goal was to enhance their fluorescence and stability for potential future applications in biomedical imaging. 🧬💡

🔍 What did they find?
✅ PLA coating significantly increased fluorescence intensity.
✅ The 2% PLA formulation produced the strongest fluorescence.
✅ It also achieved a zeta potential of −32.2 mV, indicating relatively good colloidal stability.
⚠️ Some particle aggregation remained despite the coating.

💡 Why it matters:
The 2% PLA formulation shows promising properties for further investigation in bioimaging applications. However, additional biological studies are still needed to determine its biocompatibility and actual suitability for biomedical use.

Access the full paper here: https://mjst.ustp.edu.ph/index.php/mjst/article/view/2604

19/08/2026

📣 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT | 3rd RC²E

The Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers – Region X Chapter (PACT-X) is pleased to announce the 3rd Regional Conference in Chemistry Education (RC²E) with the theme:

“Catalyzing the Future of Chemistry Education: Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainable Learning”

📅 October 24, 2026
📍 Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Hinaplanon Campus

The 3rd RC²E brings together chemistry teachers, science educators, researchers, students, and professionals to share research, innovations, and exemplary practices in chemistry and science education.

✨ Conference Highlights:
🔹 Keynote and Plenary Lectures
🔹 Young Scientist Forum
🔹 Oral Presentations – Pure and Applied Chemistry
🔹 Oral Presentations – Chemistry Education
🔹 NEW: Show and Tell – featuring invited educators demonstrating innovative and practical teaching practices in science and chemistry
🔹 Pre-Conference Small-Scale Chemistry Workshop on October 23, 2026

📢 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS IS NOW OPEN!

Researchers, educators, students, and professionals are invited to submit their abstracts for consideration for the appropriate presentation category.

📝 Abstract: 250–300 words
📄 Format: Microsoft Word (.docx)
📌 Submission Form:
https://forms.gle/ayAF8oEKqKLiHgo58

The complete Information Sheet and Guidelines contain the conference components, presentation categories, abstract submission requirements, registration details, and other important information.

💡 Come share your research. Showcase your innovation. Inspire better science and chemistry teaching.

We look forward to welcoming you to RC²E 2026!

19/08/2026

🌧️🌏 Better Rainfall Data for Better Disaster Preparedness!

Accurate rainfall information is essential for understanding climate patterns and preparing for floods and other weather-related hazards. This study compared two versions of NASA’s IMERG satellite rainfall dataset across Indonesia over 20 years (2001–2020).

🔍 What did researchers find?
✅ The newer IMERG V07B was more accurate than V06B, with lower bias and error.
✅ Its ability to correctly identify the timing of seasonal rainfall peaks improved from 62.69% to 71.64%.
✅ The improvements were observed across most monitoring stations, although differences remained in coastal, mountainous, and oceanic areas.

💡 Why it matters:
Better satellite rainfall estimates can help scientists understand seasonal rainfall patterns and support climate planning, agricultural decisions, and disaster risk management. The findings recommend IMERG V07B for rainfall and seasonal zoning studies in Indonesia, while further research is needed before applying it to high-impact uses such as flood early-warning systems.

Access the full paper here: https://mjst.ustp.edu.ph/index.php/mjst/article/view/2603/439

18/08/2026

17/08/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ALL USTP GRADUATE STUDENTS AND FACULTY:
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) will conduct a Graduate School Orientation on August 22, 2026 (Saturday), at 9:30 AM via Zoom Meeting; details below:

Zoom Meeting Link:
https://zoom.us/j/99718586103?pwd=zfFVHJqhzD3OdwIVdYI6yXrzKFKIXB.1
Meeting ID: 997 1858 6103
Passcode: USTPCDO

**The orientation aims to provide graduate school faculty members and students with relevant information on academic policies, procedures, program requirements, student responsibilities, and other matters concerning graduate education. It will also serve as an avenue to clarify important concerns and ensure a common understanding of the policies and processes governing graduate studies.

**In view of the foregoing, all graduate school faculty and students are required to attend the orientation. Furthermore, asynchronous sessions shall be conducted in lieu of the regular synchronous classes during the scheduled period of the activity. Faculty members are requested to prepare appropriate asynchronous learning activities and provide the necessary learning materials and
instructions to their respective students.

Please be guided accordingly. Thank you.

17/08/2026

📚✨ Join Us for USTP-CDO's the Academic Lecture Series!
In celebration of USTP Charter Day 2026, we invite students to be part of a series of lectures from August 18-19, 2026.

Link: https://bit.ly/AcademicLectureSeries

🎯 Expand your knowledge.
💡 Engage with brilliant minds.
🚀 Ignite your passion for learning.
📍 Mark your calendars and be there! Let’s celebrate USTP’s journey of innovation, excellence, and trailblazing impact! 💛🖤