With week-long activities spanning from March 18 to March 23, 2024, the Institute of Mathematical Science and Physics (IMSP) celebrated its 41st anniversary as a National Center of Excellence (NCOE) in the Basic Sciences. These events were aimed at upholding the IMSP's legacy and reconnecting with alumni who have exemplified the Institute's commitment to excellence through the decades.
The 41st IMSP NCOE began with the opening remarks from Dr. Editha C. Jose, Director of IMSP (left) and a warm message from Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese, Dean of CAS, UPLB (right).
Student-Alumni-Faculty Forum 2024
The festivities kicked off on March 18, 2024, with the Student-Alumni-Faculty Forum 2024 (SAFF 2024) and IMSP Job Fair 2024 at the Mathematics Building. The forum sparked engaging discussions as the speakers shared how our institute prepared them for the challenges and opportunities in their chosen fields and industries. For the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Session, the speakers were Ms. Ma. Jeecel Panaligan (BS Mathematics, Class of 2018, Analyst, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Security Bank), Ms. Abigail Dimasuay (BS Applied Mathematics, Class of 2006, Assistant General Manager, Viatechnik Inc.), Dr. Ivy Ordanel (BS Mathematics, Class of 2007, Assistant Professor, UP Diliman, Quezon City), and Mr. Adrian Llamado (BS Applied Mathematics, Class of 2015, Assistant Actuarial Manager, Manulife Data Services, Inc.). Mr. Jonathan Edra (BS Applied Physics, Class of 1997 Operations Project Manager, Dyson Electronics PTE. LTD.), Mr. Alvin Joseph Faustino (BS Applied Physics, Class of 2004, Software Development Manager, Fisher Rosemount Systems), Dr. John Keith Magali (BS Applied Physics, Class of 2014, Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Universität Münster), and Ms. Joybel Bugna (BS Applied Physics, Class of 2008 Health Physicist III, Bicol Medical Center) were in the Applied Physics session.
Guest speakers and esteemed alumni from the Math Division with Ms. Ma. Jeecel M. Panaligan (top left), Ms. Abigail V. Dimasuay (top right), Mr. Adrian Rodis Llamado (bottom left) and Dr. Ivy D. Ordanel (bottom right)
Guest speakers and esteemed alumni from the Physics Division with Ms. Joybel G. Bugna (top left), Mr. Alvin Joseph Faustino (top right), Dr. John Keith Magali (bottom left) and Mr. Jonathan Edra (bottom right)
Meanwhile, the Job Fair 2024, in collaboration with esteemed companies such as Accenture, ALVTechnologies Philippines, Inc, Manulife Business Processing Services, Sunlife Philippines, Willis Towers Watson, and Webcast Technologies, served as a bridge, connecting students with companies that enhanced students’ educational experiences. Additionally, the Job Fair 2024 serves as a bridge, connecting students with top-tier companies and opening avenues for career development in various fields.
IMSP Job Fair 2024 at the Mathematics Building was packed with eager applicants from IMSP and other UPLB institutes.
Simultaneously, a handover ceremony was conducted as Manulife donated 10 laptops to the Mathematics Division. These laptops are now accessible in the Math Clinic Room (MB 209), and IMSP students are welcome to freely utilize them for their academic needs.
Manulife Business Processing Services company generously donated laptops to the Math Clinic of IMSP.
2024 Alumni Convention
As part of the Institute’s goal to reconnect with its graduates, IMSP held an alumni convention followed by a fellowship dinner and awards night on March 23, 2024, at Baker Memorial Hall, UPLB.
The IMSP Alumni Convention 2024 provided a platform for graduates to explore collaboration opportunities and discuss the formation of alumni associations within each division. Dr. Junius Andre F. Balista (Chair, IMSP Scholarship, Honors, and Awards Committee) introduced the IMSP Adopt-a-Student Program, underscoring IMSP's commitment to support students who face financial challenges. This program not only provides monetary assistance but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Mathematics alumni parallel session moderated by Prof. Jonathan B. Mamplata.
Parallel sessions, moderated by Prof. Jonathan B. Mamplata, (BS Applied Mathematics Class of 2006) for the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Alumni session and Dr. Alexandra B. Santos-Putungan (BS Applied Physics Class of 2005) for the Applied Physics Alumni session.
Physics alumni parallel session moderated by Dr. Alexandra B. Santos-Putungan.
Dr. Neil Jerome A. Egarguin presided over the 2024 Alumni Convenvention.
2024 Fellowship Night and Awarding Ceremonies
With the theme "Through the Decades: Cultivating Minds, Transforming Communities," the 2024 IMSP Fellowship Night and Awarding Ceremonies was a reflection of IMSP's impact over the past 41 years. Alumni gathered to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared achievements. The event began with the opening remarks of Dr. Editha C. Jose, Director of IMSP, who set the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration, honoring its faculty, students, and alumni. Joining Dr. Jose were esteemed guests, including Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., Chancellor of UP Los Baños, and Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, who delivered inspiring messages.
Distinguished guests in the Fellowship Night and Award Ceremonies: (from left to right) Dr. Dalisay S. Maligalig (guest speaker), Dr. Jomar F. Rabajante (Graduate School Dean), Dr. Maribel L. Dionisio-Sese (CAS Dean), Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr. (UPLB Chancellor), Mr. Mario C. Angay (IMSP Distinguished Alumnus Award in Government), Dr. Editha C. Jose (IMSP Director ) and Ret. Assoc. Prof. Alleli C. Domingo.
The stage was then graced by Ret. Assoc. Prof. Alleli C. Domingo (BS Applied Mathematics, Class of 1978), who introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Dalisay S. Maligalig (BS Applied Mathematics, Class of 1977). Dr. Maligalig is part of the first batch of graduates from IMSP. Her warm message resonated with attendees, encapsulating the spirit of camaraderie and achievement that defines the IMSP community.
A video presentation of the Adopt-a-Student Program was also played. In this presentation, past scholars were featured, wherein they expressed their gratitude to the program and how it helped them graduate and achieve their goals.
Before the night ended, awards were given as recognition of the achievements and hard work of exemplary faculty, students, and alumni. The IMSP Outstanding Extension Personnel Award was awarded to Asst. Prof. Genaro A. Cuaresma and Dr. Ranzivelle Marianne L. Roxas-Villanueva received the IMSP Outstanding Researcher Award. The IMSP Outstanding Teacher Award and IMSP Outstanding Student Award were given to Asst. Prof. John Mark T. Lampos and Mr. Dyno Jhon A. Ugalino, respectively.
(Top from left to right) Awardees of the 2024 IMSP: Outstanding Extension Personnel - Asst. Prof. Genaro A. Cuaresma (received by Asst. Prof. Lester Charles A. Umali), Outstanding Teacher - Asst. Prof. John Mark T. Lampos, and Outstanding Special Problem (Mathematics) Ms. Nicolaitte Amor P. Alubog under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Vernel M. Lawas (Bottom from left to right) Outstanding Researcher - Dr. Ranzivelle Marianne L. Roxas-Villanueva, Outstanding Student - Mr. Dyno Jhon A. Ugalino, and Outstanding Special Problem (Applied Mathematics) Mr. Cristian B. Jetomo under the supervision of Dr. Mark Lexter D. De Lara.
Two groups were honored with the IMSP Outstanding Special Problem Award. First, the IMSP Outstanding Special Problem Award was given to Ms. Nicolaitte Amor P. Alubog and Asst. Prof. Vernel M. Lawas for their study on “Square Harmonious Labeling of Twigs TW(Pn)”. The second IMSP Outstanding Special Problem Award was given to Mr. Cristian B. Jetomo and Dr. Mark Lexter D. De Lara for their study on “Filipino Sign Language Recognition Using Multi-Level Persistent Homology Classification Algorithm." The IMSP Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award was given to Mr. John Robert H. Parlan together with his thesis advisers Dr. Rea Divina C. Mero and Dr. Marvin U. Herrera for their study on “Functionalization of Veneer Wood with Fluorosilane Molecules for the Creation of Superhydrophobic Surfaces.”
(Top from left to right) Awardees of the 2024 IMSP: Distinguished Alumnus in Government Service - Mr. Mario C. Angay, Outstanding Thesis - Mr. John Robert H. Parlan under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Rea Divina C. Mero & Dr. Marvin U. Herrera, and Distinguished Alumnus in Education - Mr. Daniel Ezra A. Añoso (Bottom from left to right) Awardees of the 2024 IMSP: Distinguished Alumnus in Research - Dr. John Justine S. Villar, Distinguished Alumnus in Professional Industry-Information Technology - Mr. Ronnie Bona C. Delos Reyes, and Distinguished Alumnus in Research - Dr. Bryan S. Hernandez.
To honor alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities, five were recognized as IMSP Distinguished Alumni. Dr. John Justine S. Villar (BS Applied Mathematics, 2009, Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science in UP Diliman) and Dr. Bryan S. Hernandez (BS Mathematics, 2008 cum laude, MS Mathematics, 2015, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Mathematics in UP Diliman) were awarded for their research contributions. Mr. Ronnie Bona C. Delos Reyes (BS Mathematics, Class of 2006, a Senior Quality Assurance Analyst) was awarded Distinguished Alumnus in the Professional Industry-Information Technology Sector. The IMSP Distinguished Alumnus Award in Government Service was honored to Mr. Mario C. Angay (BS Mathematics, Class of 1990 and MS Mathematics, Class of 1995, the current Senior Vice President for the Financial Management Group of GSIS). To recognize his advocacy and contribution to education, Mr. Daniel Ezra A. Añoso (BS Mathematics, Class of 2007, current Principal of the Rainbow Institute of Learning, Inc. (RILI)) was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award in Education.
As the event ended, Dr. Alvin Karlo G. Tapia, Chair of the IMSP NCOE 2024, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the evening.
Asst. Prof. Edd Francis O. Felix and Asst. Prof. Anna Pamela O. De Jesus were the masters of ceremonies at the 2024 IMSP Fellowship Night and Awarding Ceremonies.
The evening's celebration is a testament to the impact of IMSP on its community and beyond. Looking ahead to the future, the IMSP remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence and community engagement, inspiring generations of scholars and leaders to shape minds and transform communities for years to come.
(RB Payod)