International Forum on Sustainability Science - IFSS

23/09/2025

From waste to abundance: Can we transform our food systems into models of circularity?

Every year, tons of food are wasted even as millions go hungry. The recent IFSS 2025 forum, led by UPOU and partners in Bacolod, tackled this contradiction through themes of circularity, regeneration, and innovation in food systems. Experts discussed local food forests, policy shifts, digital agri-solutions, and how green practices can heal both ecosystems and communities.

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Every day, tons of food are thrown away even as millions go hungry. Globally, around 931 million tons of food—or 17 percent of all food available to

18/09/2025

The IFSS 2025 formally concluded with a meaningful closing ceremony.

UPOU Assoc. Prof. Finaflor F. Taylan, DProfSt, Chair of the IFSS 2025 Program Committee, delivered a synthesis of the forum, emphasizing the values aligned with the discussion areas of the IFSS2025. She ended with a call to continually act together for justice, for regeneration, for a future where everyone has just not food, but dignity, health, and the opportunity thrive.

An exchange of institutional gifts was held among the representatives from UPOU, DOST, TUPV, STI West Negros University, and Negros Power.

Certificates of participation were awarded to all participants of IFSS 2025.

The Best Paper Award was conferred by Dr. Jerome Salas, member of the IFSS 2025 Paper Committee to the following winners:

- Arwen Jover, Joval Martinez, Aran Jay Nonato, Raezel Harvey Pitong, and Angel Hope Robles with their paper entitled “Functional Characterization of Potassium Solubilization Potential of Hot Spring-Derived Thermophilic Bacteria for Sustainable Agricultural Biofertilizer Development." (Best Paper Award)

- Thushari Senavirathna and Brian Dunsford with their paper entitled "Bamboo Pots (Bambusa vulgaris) as a Circular and Regenerative Alternative in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Nurseries." (2nd Best Paper Award)

- Gregorio Crisostomo, Crizel Ann Biton, Henmark De la Cruz, Ma. Korina Claudia Hinayan, Ronald Ray Labayen, Charisse Pesquera, Jayboy Santillan, and Joel Manuel Villaluz with their paper entitled "Multi-Crop Powder Processing Machine for Enhancing the Value of Root Crops in Negros." (3rd Best Paper Award)

The Best Poster Award was presented by Dr. Gerald Salas, Member of the IFSS 2025 Awards Committee, to Gregorio Crisostomo with his paper entitled “Development of a Portable Solar-Powered Mechanized Silk Reeling Device for Sustainable Silk Production of Rural Negros Island Farmers."

The Best Sustainable Showcase Award of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fair was presented by Engr. Glady T. Reyes, Co-Chair of the IFSS 2025 SDG Fair Committee, to Subay Marketing.

Engr. Allan Francis Dara-ug, Provincial Director of the DOST Negros Island Region, delivered his closing remarks with a hope that the seeds planted in IFSS 2025 continue to grow, flourish and bear fruit for generations to come.

18/09/2025

The second half of the second day was a firework of very interesting and insightful research studies.

The fifth Parallel Session, moderated by Dr. Salvador Sigaya, Jr. of STIWNU, was focused on Policy Hack Lab: Local Food Bills, with eigth participants sharing their studies. Parallel Session 6, on the other hand, was tackled Sustainability through Bio-innovation and Cultural Diversity, with Dr. Renith Guanzon, Professor, College of Education, STIWNU as moderator.

The final session of IFSS 2025 was the fourth Plenary Session titled "Sustainability Science: Urgent Global and Local Challenges." Dr. Naomi Cosette R. Luis, OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations of the Department of Science and Technology-Negros Island Region presented in detal the Roadmap to Regenerative Futures, where she provided the role of science, technology and innovation in the Negros Island Region.

Dr. Mima M. Villanueva, Dean of STIWNU College of Business Management and Accountancy, was the session's moderator.

18/09/2025

It’s Day 2 of IFSS 2025!

The morning started strong with the third Plenary Session on Circular and Just Transitions. Ms. Abigail E. Marcos, R&D Specialist and Vice Chairperson for the Laboratory Accreditation Committee for Biological Testing (ISO 17025:2017) and Philippine Accreditation Bureau - Laboratory Accreditation Division (PAB-LAD), was the speaker and her topic tackled the Manufacturing Challenges and Pathways for Sustainable Food Systems where she shared ways food manufacturers, such as Monde Nissin, advance sustainability in its operatons. Dr. Renith Guanzon from STIWNU served as moderator.

Parallel Sessions 3 and 4 focused on Design Thinking for Sustainable Food Systems: Integrating Social Enterprise, Mechanization, and Community-Centered Approaches, and Digital Tools for Food Systems Monitoring, moderated by Dr. Melinda Sisles and Ms. Shallel Galope-Billones from the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas, respectively.

The two Panel Sessions for the day focused on Natural Products for Wellness and Sustainability moderated by Dr. Cherry Mae P. Epacta from STIWNU; and another on KKK47@IFFS3: Sustainable Food Forest moderated by Dr. Ferdinand Maquito, FMDS/UPOU, Sekiguchi Global Research Association/Atsumi International Foundation.

18/09/2025

The SDG Fair is open from 17 to 19 September 2025 at the Ayala Mall Capitol Area, Bacolod CIty!

Visit the SDG Fair now and discover the initiatives of organizations dedicated to furthering the Sustainable Development Goals.

18/09/2025

Let the ball roll as we continue to DAY 2 of IFSS 2025! What can you expect today?

🌱 Plenary Sessions 3 & 4
🌱 Poster Presentation 2
🌱 Parallel Sessions 3-6
🌱 Panel Sessions 3 & 4
🤝 Closing Ceremony

See you today!

18/09/2025

Day 1 of IFSS 2025 featured two plenary sessions, two panel sessions, and two parallel sessions on the first day.

Plenary Session 1 was about Regeneration as the New Norm with Dr. Yong-Chao Su, Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University as the speaker. He shared about the interrelationship of bees, humans and food sustainability. This was followed by an engaging open forum that drew insightful questions and comments from both the onsite and online participants.

Plenary Session 2 was about Food System Resilience in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible) World with Ms. Katherine C. Viñegas, Landscape Coordinator and Biodiversity Advisor at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmBH as the speaker who shared about the Biodiversity Mainstreaming in the Fisheries and Agriculture Sectors, and shared the various initiatives in the ASEAN context.

The two simultaneous panel sessions covered themes on Nutrition on Food Systems in the Agricultural Sector and Agri-Food Landscapes as a Circular Economy, which were moderated by Mr. Ariestelo Asilo, UPOU Doctor in Sustainability student, Dr. Jake Lauren Mercado, from STINWU.

The Parallel Sessions featured Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems through Digital Innovation and Regenerative Practices which was moderated by Prof. May Olorga from the Technological University of the Philippines- Visayas; and the second focused on Innovative Circular Economy Food Systems, moderated by Mr. Rolando Lazo, a UPOU DSus Student.

More knowledge sessions are instore for all participants for Day 2 of IFSS 2025.

17/09/2025

The SDG Fair and Exhibit opened at the IFSS 2025.

Mr. Ariestelo Asilo, founder and CEO of Varacco Inc. and Co-Chair of the IFSS 2025, gave his opening remarks, encouraging everyone to engage in meaningful discussions during the fair.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by UPOU Chancellor Joane V. Serrano together with the organizers, partners, and sponsors of the IFSS 2025.

The fair serves as a platform to showcase the initiatives of organizations dedicated to furthering the SDGs. Presenters from across the academe, government, civil society, and industries shared their global sustainability efforts through their programs, products, technologies, and services.

The 3ZERO Club Philippine Network led the launch of sustainability commitments at IFSS through a symbolic Sustainable Tree—paving the way for more signatories to join in advancing sustainability.

Visit the SDG Fair throughout the IFSS 2025 from 17-19 September 2025 at the Ayala Mall Capitol Area, Bacolod City.

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17/09/2025

Conference as a platform of partnership

Several partnerships were forged today towards a common goal of advancing sustainability.

UPOU and Negros Power sealed the collaboration that seeks to enhance career readiness, foster industry-academe engagement, and promote the development of a workforce that is responsive to the needs of communities and the energy sector.

Secondly, UPOU, Department of Science and Technology Negros Island Region (DOST-NIR), and STI West Negros University, officially signed for the conduct of IFSS 2025 that brought together stakeholders from government, academe, industry, and civil society to explore pathways for circularity, renewability, and regenerative futures.

Also, UPOU, DOST-NIR, and Technological University of the Philippines Visayas formalized the tripartite agreement among higher education institutions, government, and local communities as an essential flavor in transforming food systems through circularity, renewability, and regenerative practices.

The principal signatories include Dr. Joane V. Serrano, Chancellor of UPOU; Engr. Bernard Bailey R. Del Castillo, Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Negros Electric and Power Corp., on behalf of Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer; Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, Officer-in-Charge, DOST-NIR Regional Director; Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, PhD, President, Technological University of the Philippines; and Dr. Ryan Mark S. Molina, President, STI West Negros University.

17/09/2025

IFSS 2025 launches today in Bacolod City!

The International Forum on Sustainable Science 2025 officially kicks off today, 17 September 2025 at the Negros Residences, Bacolod City, Philippines.

Dr. Leah J. Buendia, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, delivered the opening remarks, affirming DOST’s commitment to food sustainability through its councils and programs, noting that “the future of food is not written yet, it is ours to design.”

Messages of support were delivered OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, Dr. Naomi Cosette Luis from the DOST - Negros Island Region; President Reynaldo Ramos represented by Campus Director, Dr. Eric A. Malo-oy from the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas; Dr. Ryan Mark S. Molina, President of STI West Negros University, Inc.; President and CEO Mr. Roel Z. Castro represented by the Chief Technical Officer and COO Engr. Bernard Bailey R. Del Castillo, from the Negros Electric and Power Corporation; and Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya represented by Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas, Head of the Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions of Bacolod City.

UPOU Chancellor and Philippine Satoyama Landscapes and Satoumi Seascapes Network President Dr. Joane V. Serrano officially declared the forum open, stressing that “Transforming our food systems, therefore, is not just an academic concern—it is an urgent, lived reality that affects communities, economies, and cultures.” The keynote address was delivered by Negros Power Chief Technical Officer and COO, Engr. Del Castillo, where he highlighting how the company integrates sustainability science into daily operations for smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy service.

To conclude the opening ceremony, Engr. Glady T. Reyes, Negros Occidental Assistant Provincial Science and Technology Director, provided a summary of the purpose and significance of the forum, and provided the participants a glimpse of what is in store for them in the next two days.

Stay tuned for more happenings at the IFSS 2025!

17/09/2025

It's finally DAY 1 of IFSS 2025! What can you expect today?

☀️ Opening Ceremony
🌱 Plenary Sessions 1 & 2
🌱 Panel Sessions 1 & 2
🌱 Launching of SDG Fair Exhibit
🌱 Poster Presentation 1
🌱 Parallel Sessions 1 & 2

See you at the venue and platform!

16/09/2025

1 DAY TO GO TO IFSS!

✨ Tomorrow’s the day! ✨ begins in Bacolod City.
🌱 Let’s create bold ideas, regenerative solutions, and sustainable futures together.