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Infectious Disease Laboratory

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in News

The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) held an inauguration of its Infectious Disease Laboratory (IDL) on September 14, 2023. Located in the College of Science and Mathematics, this lab is part of the university's new facilities inaugurated by new University President Angelo A. Jimenez, along with other guests.

The IDL will focus on research, training, and COVID-19 testing and will also aid in detecting infectious diseases in livestock, benefitting the agriculture sector, according to Dr. Joel Tolentino, the officer-in-charge of the Philippine Genome Center- Mindanao.

Since 2016, UPMin has conducted interdisciplinary research on various infectious diseases. The IDL aims to become the Mindanao Research and Innovation Center for One Health and a center of excellence for health research by 2030, connecting with the proposed Virology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology. This lab is part of UPMin's Mindanao Health Initiative, which includes establishing a College of Medicine and Davao City Public Hospital.

Photos by Noel Larios Jr/SA-UPMin PRO

Text by Alyssa Ilaguison/SA-UPMin PRO

UP Mindanao launches UP System’s first undergraduate Data Science program

Written by Rene Estremera. Posted in News

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DMPCS department chair Asst. Prof. Cinmayii Manliguez and Prof. Vladimer Kobayashi unveil the BS Data Science program marker,

witnessed by Dean Cleto Nañola and VCAA Annabelle Novero.

Chancellor Murao, and the DMPCS constituents and partners at the BS Data Science launching.

Some of the pioneer BS Data Science students

UP Mindanao has launched its Bachelor of Science in Data Science (BSDS) program, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind within the entire UP system.

Spearheaded by the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science (DMPCS), the launch held at Lorenzo Hall on September 4, 2023, marks a monumental step towards revolutionizing Mindanao into a data-driven powerhouse.

Dr. May Anne Mata of the College of Science and Mathematics underscored the pivotal role of data science in contributing to the region’s development.

“Data science holds the key to unlocking the vast potential of Mindanao in improving agriculture, predicting analytics, and enhancing local businesses, to foster sustainable progress, tailored to resonate with Mindanao’s unique fabric,” Mata said during her opening remarks.

The program’s inception is a response to the region’s economic growth. With Mindanao’s flourishing economy projected to grow by 7-8%, the demand for data science experts is high, currently projected to be at 340,000, according to Associate Professor Vladimer Kobayashi, its program coordinator.

Kobayashi emphasized that BSDS aims to produce competent data science practitioners with entrepreneurial mindsets, and skills in research and development to positively contribute to the region’s socio-economic landscape.

UP Diliman’s Former Chancellor Professor Fidel Nemenzo, DSc, further addressed the need for an undergraduate data science program. “It’s about time that UP offers Data Science at an undergraduate level to transform Mindanao into a data-driven powerhouse. Its emphasis on advancing communities will shape a future for Mindanao and beyond."

The event was witnessed by its pioneering students, faculty members, and administrative staff.

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