The University of the Philippines (UP) conducted the “Agham + Sining: UP Innovation and Knowledge Festival” on 28-29 November 2022 at the UP Bonifacio Global City (BGC) campus. UP officials, faculty, staff, and alumni from different constituent units convened at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall to participate in the prestigious two-day event that showcased the University’s recent achievements and innovations in the sciences and the arts.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Luis G. Sison, Director of the UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, expressed his gratitude to the industry and government partners for their trust and support, to the innovators in the University for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and creativity, to the hardworking technology transfer and research support staff across the university for enabling our innovators year after year, and to the event staff and administrators for making the event possible.
In her inspirational retrospect, Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose B. Bautista, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs, shared that what was being showcased at the festival was part of the cumulative result of the university’s commitment over many administrations to fulfill among its multiple missions and its mandate as a research university, a producer of creative works, and as a public service university.
UP President Danilo L. Concepcion mentioned in his message, said that UP as the premier community of the most creative and forward-thinking minds is best positioned to explore all new possibilities. He further adds, “The world is evolving. We can resist change…, or we can embrace this new normal and take our place among the leading universities in the region and the world. From what we will see in this ‘Agham+Sining,’ I believe UP has already made its choice.”
The first day of the festival featured some of UP’s best technologies from different constituent units and their impact on the industry and society. The attendees witnessed as UP sealed its relationship with the industry in the ceremonial signing with various partners. Recipients of the Invention Disclosure Incentive (IDI) were honored and awarded their cash incentives. The successful finishers of the University Innovation Fellows for Health were recognized and received their certificates.
The second day of the event highlighted the innovative and technological solutions towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. It showcased research projects and programs that focused on sustainable development goals (SGDs), quality education, digital creative outputs, affordable and clean energy, health and wellbeing, innovation and infrastructure, physical creative outputs, and responsible consumption and production.
The celebration concluded with the recognition of the exemplary university scientists from batches 2019-2021, 2020-2022, and 2021-2023. They were honored for their excellent contributions to national progress through their discoveries and inventions, expert knowledge in policy development, and scientific understanding and solutions to societal issues.
“Agham + Sining” was organized by the UP System Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, in collaboration with the UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, Media and Public Relations Office, UP-BGC, and TVUP.
The Festival can be viewed on TVUP’s YouTube channel (Day 1 and Day 2).
Written by Jaime P O. Guimbao
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Pinky Halos