LEE members, Prof. Joey Ocon , Jan Goran Tomacruz , and Sol Ixzandr Loja , recently attended the 34th Symposium of Malaysian Chemical Engineers held last July 9-11, 2024 , at Monash University Malaysia. Prof. Ocon, a distinguished LEE faculty member, contributed as a panelist in the Energy Transition forum, sharing his expertise on the subject. Mr. Tomacruz, another notable member of the LEE faculty, delivered an impactful presentation on his research titled "Investigating Pt-W Alloys with Pt-Skin Structure for the Electrocatalytic Application of ORR Using DFT Calculations." Meanwhile, MS ChE student Sol Ixzandr Loja also made a significant impression at the symposium with his presentation titled "Investigating the Effects of Cu and O Atom Vacancies on CO2 and CO Adsorption on Cu2O(111)," where he earned the prestigious 2nd prize among graduate students. These accomplishments highlight the impactful contributions and research excellence of our LEE team at an international level. Article by: Ms. Jaira Neibel Bamba, M.Sc.

Prof. Ocon delivered his lecture and seminar research presentation last July 31 at the School of Engineering, Hokkaido University. This visit was hosted by Prof. Tetsu Yonezawa , who was last year’s EnergyX Symposium Keynote Speaker. Ending his visit at Hokkaido University, Prof. Ocon extended his gratitude to Tetsu Yonezawa-sensei and Sim, a PhD student, for their hospitality. The collaborative exchange and shared knowledge during this visit have been invaluable, further strengthening the academic ties between institutions and contributing to the advancement of engineering research. Article by: Engr. Mecaelah Palaganas

The members of the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering participated in the 44th Annual PAASE Meeting and Symposium , held from July 15-17, 2024 , at Charles Fuller Baker Memorial Hall, University of the Philippines – Los Baños, College, Laguna . This year's symposium, themed “Filipino Scientists Across Borders: Towards Developing Regional S&T Innovation Ecosystems” with a subtheme of “Technological Innovations Towards Health, Food, and Nutrition Security,” was part of a broader series of events highlighting technological advancements in agriculture, sustainable education, artificial intelligence, and disaster risk reduction and management. These events were also held in Rizal, Batangas, and Leyte. Hosted by the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE), a distinguished non-profit organization comprising scientists and engineers of Philippine descent, the event was spearheaded by PAASE President Dr. Gladys Cherisse J. Completo. Aligning with PAASE’s mission to advance science, engineering, and technology, the symposium featured plenary talks and parallel thematic sessions from notable speakers worldwide, as well as local government representatives. The members of the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering made significant contributions by actively presenting their research studies during the Poster Exhibit. Notably, Jaira Neibel Bamba and Honesto Ovid Tubalinal were selected for the Rapid-Fire Presentation, where they effectively communicated their research on sustainable energy within a five-minute timeframe. A standout moment was the presentation of the annual Severino and Paz Koh Lectureship Awards in Science and Engineering. Prof. Joey D. Ocon , who received the award in the field of engineering, delivered an insightful lecture titled “Vision to Action: Advancing Battery and Hydrogen Technologies for a Sustainable Future.” His presentation ignited inspiration and motivation among the audience, particularly encouraging the researchers of LEE to embrace their roles in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Overall, the symposium not only showcased the considerable progress being made across various scientific disciplines but also reinforced the importance of international collaboration and innovation. By fostering a platform for cross-border exchanges and the presentation of cutting-edge research, the event played a pivotal role to the advancement of both regional and global scientific and technological ecosystems. Article by: Engr. Lora Monique Sapanta

𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗶 𝘀𝗮 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗴𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗼𝘀! 🎉👏 It is with a great sense of pride and honor that we ceLEEbrate this significant academic milestone of our laboratory members who graduated this Academic Year 2023-2024. The achievements of our successful graduates are nothing less than extraordinary! May you bring with you all that you have learned from the lab and apply the same to your future research endeavors and professional careers. Your famiLEE is so proud of you! 🎓💯 Padayon, mga Iskolar! Patuloy na pagsilbihan ang Bayan! 🌻🌻🌻 #Sablay2024 #DangalAtHusay

To equip more Filipinos to advocate for equal access to electricity, the Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP) launched its inaugural energy roadshow, "Watts UP: CERP Sparks Dialogue at UPD," on June 3rd. This event, held in partnership with Student Energy at UP Diliman and The Electrochemical Society - University of the Philippines Student Chapter , was a resounding success. Key Discussions and Highlights: Energy Transition: Co-convenor Dr. Joey Ocon , Head of the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering at UPD, discussed the Philippine Energy Transition through the SDG 7 lens. He used the "unfortunate tetrahedron" framework to illustrate the variability of energy sources in terms of affordability, sustainability, reliability, and modernity. Affordable Electricity: CERP co-convenor Atty. Noel Baga emphasized the need to prioritize developing indigenous energy sources, provide energy subsidies, and allow foreign participation in the energy sector to reduce high electricity costs. Importance of Communication and Engagement: Global Effort Against Climate Change: Building on Dr. Ocon's observations, CERP underscores the critical importance of every nation, regardless of size, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. Dr. Ocon noted that while the Philippines' emissions might be minimal overall, proactive steps towards renewable energy set a precedent and demonstrate a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. Fostering Public Opinion: Atty. Baga highlighted the necessity of communication in fostering informed public opinion and policy decision-making. Engaging a wider audience helps elevate the discourse around crucial energy policies, ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to shaping a sustainable energy future. CERP's Commitment: Fair and Transparent Energy Pricing: CERP is dedicated to advocating for fair and transparent energy pricing mechanisms that protect all consumers, especially the most vulnerable. The mission goes beyond research, striving to lead in policy advocacy that promotes energy affordability and sustainability. Community Engagement: By facilitating informed discussions like the #WattsUP roadshow, CERP aims to connect the public with policymakers, fostering laws that are both innovative and beneficial for society. For more details, you can follow CERP’s latest activities and research on their Facebook page. Article by: Glennise Faye Mejica, M.Engg.