UP-IESM

Congratulations to Dr. Mayzonee V. Ligaray on being named a recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Young Scientist Award in Environmental Science and Engineering by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL)!

As head of the Environmental Hydrology Laboratory 💧 at IESM, UP Diliman, Dr. Ligaray's research on hydrology, water resources, and environmental modeling contributes to a deeper understanding of environmental systems and challenges in the Philippines.

We are proud to celebrate this recognition of her scientific contributions.

Congratulations to Dr. Rafaela Jane P. Delfino on being named a recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Young Scientist Award in Meteorology by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL)!

As head of the Climate and High Impact Laboratory🌀 at IESM, UP Diliman, Dr. Delfino's research on tropical cyclones, climate extremes, and climate modeling contributes to a deeper understanding of weather and climate risks in the Philippines.

We are proud to celebrate this recognition of her scientific contributions.

Warmest congratulations to Dr. Mayzonee V. Ligaray on receiving the prestigious NAST 2026 Outstanding Young Scientist Award! 🏆

As a Professor at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology and the Innovation Coordinator of the UPD College of Science, Dr. Ligaray continues to pave the way for impactful ecological advancements. Her profound commitment to Environmental Science and Engineering serves as a powerful inspiration to the scientific community and all those advocating for a sustainable future.

Kudos on this well-earned honor! 🌻🎉

Students from Env Sci 265 (Applications of Remote Sensing to Environmental Science) and Meteo 222 (Satellite Meteorology) visited the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) office in Eastwood on 3 June 2026 for an Academic Field Activity.

Env Sci 265 is team-taught by Dr. Lapuz, Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, and IESM affiliate faculty members Dr. Armando Apan and Dr. Josefino Comiso, while Meteo 222 is led by Dr. Racoma. The visit served as the culminating activity for IESM’s remote sensing courses.

The activity included an overview of PhilSA’s mandate and functions, as well as discussions on its programs, research and development initiatives, technical capabilities, and possible areas for collaboration and engagement. The students also participated in a guided facility tour covering selected areas of the PhilSA office.

The visit also underscored IESM’s continuing links with the country’s space science community, with IESM faculty member Dr. Perez currently serving as Ad Interim Director General of PhilSA.

Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, Principal Investigator of the UP Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Lab and President of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network, delivered a keynote talk at the ongoing 5th Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium and Workshop. The conference is being held from 3 to 5 June 2026 at the Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa.

In his keynote talk, “Anthropogenic Impacts on Marine Mammals in Asia: Insights from Strandings,” Dr. Aragones discussed human-induced threats affecting marine mammals in Asia and highlighted the role of stranding networks in marine mammal research, conservation, and coordinated response efforts.

Dr. Aragones will also serve as one of the facilitators of the Marine Mammal Stranding First Response Workshop, together with Carlos Camarena, Jerson Vitug, and Dr. Leo Suarez. The workshop is scheduled for 4 and 5 June at the Research and Learning Centre and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Jayson S. Cabral, a PhD Candidate at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), received an Honorable Mention Best Paper Award at the 3rd ASEAN University Symposium for Sustainable Food Systems: Bioeconomy of Sustainable Food Systems, held on 20–22 May 2026 at Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

His paper examined the carbon capture and storage potential of grasslands in San Jose, Tarlac, highlighting the role of grassland ecosystems in carbon sequestration, sustainable land management, and natural capital accounting.

The paper was co-authored with Dr. Chelo S. Pascua (adviser), Dr. Cherry L. Ringor (co-adviser), Alexander Keihl B. Magtoto, and Edblanch Y. Blanco.

The UPD IESM Marine Mammal Research and Conservation proudly recognizes our Principal Investigator, Dr. Lemnuel V. Aragones, and President of both the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) and the Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network (AMMSN) for delivering a Keynote Talk during the 5th Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network Symposium & Workshop being held this 3–5 June 2026 at the Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa.

In his keynote talk, “Anthropogenic Impacts on Marine Mammals in Asia: Insights from Strandings,” Dr. Aragones highlighted the increasing human-induced threats faced by marine mammals across the continent and emphasized the vital role of stranding networks in advancing marine mammal research, conservation, and coordinated response efforts in the region.

Co-hosted by AMMMSN, Resorts World Sentosa, Thai Coral Reef, and Marine Life Conservation Foundation, the symposium-workshop brings together 100 attendees of different backgrounds under the theme “Interfacing In-situ and Ex-situ Marine Mammal Conservation Efforts in Asia.” The event aims to strengthen regional preparedness and conservation action for marine mammals across Asia as part of the One Health agenda through dialogue, capacity building, and cross-sector partnerships.