Mapúa University successfully launched its International Month Celebration 2025 on October 9, 2025, transforming the campus into a global hub for research and cultural exchange. The dynamic Opening Ceremony, International Seminar, and Poster Presentation served as a powerful showcase of the University’s commitment to globalization, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.
The event demonstrated its broad appeal by gathering approximately 100 participants onsite at the Intramuros Campus and an additional 200 individuals joining online, underscoring Mapúa’s dedication to inclusive and accessible education through its hybrid format. The celebration welcomed students, faculty, and world-class experts from multiple continents.
Global Forum: Advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The day was anchored by two high-impact scientific events that directly advanced critical United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), featuring speakers from Japan, the USA, and the Czech Republic.
1. International Seminar on Sustainable Materials, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering
Held at the Mapúa Intramuros campus AVR 2 and 3, this pivotal seminar aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The program featured an impressive line-up of global experts:
- Okayama University of Science, Japan: Professors Haruo Akashi and Yoshihiro Kusano shared groundbreaking research on catalytic activity and the science behind traditional Bizen pottery, respectively, alongside Professor Tetsuo Iwanaga’s presentation on the synthesis and luminescent properties of aromatic molecular arrays.
- Mapúa Innovation: Mapúa’s own Engr. Mark Kennedy Bantugon, Pili Seal Inventor, showcased an innovative way of turning agricultural waste into a sustainable product with his talk on “Pili AdheSeal.”
- Local and International Contributions: Mapúa Professor Marilen M. Martin, PhD, discussed green synthesis silver nanoparticles, and Kai Nakashima from Okayama University of Science presented on Ruthenium (III) complexes.
2. “An Invisible Threat On and Off the Roads”: Blended Scientific Hybrid Webinar
A key parallel activity was the International Scientific Workshop on Soil and Water Pollution from Tire Particles, which directly supported SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The University proudly welcomed online speakers from across the globe:
- Czech Republic: Radek Stocek, PhD, from the Centre for Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, detailed experimental approaches to rubber abrasion.
- USA: Dr. William V. Mars, Founder and President of Endurica LLC, offered a vision of the future with his presentation, “Predict Before You Build.”
- Mapúa Leadership: Mapúa’s Assistant Vice President for International Linkages, Relations, and Development Cooperation, Delia B. Senoro, PhD, kicked off the session with a critical discussion on the toxicological impacts of tire and brake wear.
A Truly Global Presence: Student and Speaker Engagement
A clear highlight of the day was the active participation of the University’s inbound foreign students from Spain and France, who were fully integrated into the academic and cultural exchange.
During the Poster Question & Answer Session in the AVR Lobby, student researchers from Mapúa University and Okayama University of Science presented their work on sustainable materials and chemical science. The collaboration on topics such as the preparation of porous Al2 O3 and the synthesis of carbazole-based macrocycles further cemented the strong partnership between the two institutions. The event concluded with the announcement of the poster winners and the awarding of tokens to international speakers.
Commitment to a Shared Future: Advancing the Global Agenda
Mapúa’s International Month 2025 is a definitive testament to the institution’s commitment to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing global perspectives, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by creating inclusive spaces, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening ties with international partners from Japan, the USA, and the Czech Republic.
Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, Mapúa’s President and CEO, and Dr. Edward Jay M. Quinto, Dean of the School of Foundational Studies and Education, delivered the opening remarks, successfully setting the stage for a full month of continuous global learning and collaborative innovation.
To learn more about the innovative initiatives of Mapúa, visit mapua.edu.ph.