NRCP holds national workshop on climate change in Albay hosted by BU - Official Website of Bicol University
Gathering scientists, researchers, and policymakers from across the country to advance interdisciplinary research and policy responses to climate change, Bicol University (BU) hosted the two-day National. . .
Gathering scientists, researchers, and policymakers from across the country to advance interdisciplinary research and policy responses to climate change, Bicol University (BU) hosted the two-day National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Workshop on Climate Change themed “Advancing Interdisciplinary Research and Policy for Climate Resilience in the Philippines” at Casa Lorenzo in Daraga, Albay, from July 20 to 21, 2026. The first day of the workshop, themed “Foundations, Science, and Health Impacts,” opened with welcome remarks delivered by Prof. Jocelyn E. Serrano, Dean of the BU College of Science, on behalf of BU President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III. Experts tackle climate science, health, biodiversityNRCP Vice President Dr. Eric Zeus C. Rizo delivered the opening message, and Dr. Jose Ma. M. Angeles, Chair of NRCP Division III (Medical Sciences), provided the overview and background of the workshop. Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari, President of the Center for Conservation Innovations, led the session on climate change science and the Philippine context. Dr. Ramon Lorenzo Luis R. Guinto, Regular Member of NRCP Division III (Medical Sciences), discussed the intersection of climate change and public health, while Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, Regular Member of NRCP Division XII (Earth and Space Sciences), addressed the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity. A SIGMATECH presentation was also featured before the day culminated in an interdisciplinary panel discussion moderated by Dr. Adrian P. Ybañez, with Espaldon and Guinto serving as panelists. Day 2 focuses on solutions, research design, policy translationThe second day, themed “Solutions, Research Design, and Policy Translation,” featured Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, Professor at the University of the Philippines, who led a session on data, modeling, and innovation. Dr. Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, Regular Member of NRCP Division XII (Earth and Space Sciences), discussed climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, while Dr. Ma. Mylene M. Villegas, also a Regular Member of NRCP Division XII, facilitated the session on policy translation and science communication. Participants engaged in a research design workshop and presented their group outputs before a panel of experts. Ybañez, Chair of NRCP Division XIII (Veterinary Medicine), delivered the synthesis; Dr. Americus D. C. Perez, Vice Chair of NRCP Division XII (Earth and Space Sciences), outlined the next steps; and Dr. Dixon T. Gevaña, NRCP Treasurer and Chair of NRCP Division VI (Agriculture and Forestry), gave the closing remarks. Continuing partnership between BU–NRThe workshop was organized by five NRCP divisions, Medical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, Earth and Space Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine, in partnership with BU through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by NRCP Executive Director Brian S. Bantugan, PhD, and President Nebres, and witnessed by Dean Serrano and Beverly Mae N. Dela Cruz, Chief Science Research Specialist of the NRCP Research Development and Management Division. Beyond the partnership, the collaboration between the two institutions will continue in sharing scientific information, capacitating stakeholders and academic institutions in research, and enhancing science culture nationwide. | written by Arnold C. Noda, IO III – BUCPRO