The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and the Philippine Meteorological Society (PMS) have launched a joint endeavor to encourage scientific investigation and problem-solving among young scientists. This collaboration led to the METeorology for YOUng Scientists (MET4YOU) CALABARZON Competition, themed “Climate Risk and Resilience of Agroecosystems.” The competition aimed to enhance the research and development skills of young science students by challenging them to undertake studies and develop innovative concepts in atmospheric science, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related disciplines.
Formalizing the Partnership
UPLB and PMS institutionalized their collaboration on February 24, 2025, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Vice Chancellor Rolando T. Bello signed on behalf of UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., while Dr. Joseph Basconcillo, president of PMS, represented the society. The event was attended by Dr. John Pulhin, head of the Interdisciplinary Center for Natural Resources and Environment Management (INREM), and Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, dean of the College of Human Ecology (CHE).
The MET4YOU CALABARZON Competition received significant support from various UPLB units, including CHE, the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology (CEAT), and INREM. External support was also provided by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 4A, and the Human Ecology Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (HUMEIN-Phils).
Launching MET4YOU
The MET4YOU project officially commenced on January 31, 2024, during a forum where experts from UPLB, PMS, and DOST-PAGASA discussed trends, challenges, and solutions related to climate risk and resilience of agroecosystems. Speakers included Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, professor at the UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, along with UPLB faculty members Dr. Maricel Tapia-Villamayor from INREM, Dr. Vicente G. Ballaran, Jr. from CEAT, and Dean Amparo.
The forum also served as a platform to introduce the MET4YOU competition guidelines. Participants received essential insights on proposal preparation and presentation, equipping them for the competition. The event attracted 90 students from various DepEd CALABARZON junior and senior high schools, who attended via virtual conferencing.
Overwhelming Participation and Innovative Proposals
The competition received 56 submissions from the CALABARZON region, marking the largest number of entries since MET4YOU’s inception in 2019. The proposals showcased the creativity and problem-solving abilities of young students as they devised innovative solutions to address climate risk and agroecosystem resilience.
Finalist Selection
After a thorough evaluation, the top ten finalists were selected:
- Gen. Juan Castañeda Senior High School (two teams)
- Lipa City Senior High School
- Los Baños National High School (LBNHS)–Batong Malake
- Felix Amante Senior High School
- Calamba City Science Integrated School
- Bulihan Integrated National High School
- Labas Senior High School
- Godofredo M. Tan Integrated School of Arts and Trades
- Tropical Village National High School
These teams were invited to present their final pitches in a public, face-to-face forum at the CEAT Lecture Hall on February 24, 2025.
Final Presentations and Judging
Each team was allotted 15 minutes to present their proposals and showcase their prototypes. A panel of five judges, including Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dr. Joseph Basconcillo, Dr. Juan M. Pulhin, and Rasmiah M. Malixi, president of HUMEIN-Philippines, evaluated the presentations. The judges provided in-depth assessments, posed thought-provoking questions, and offered constructive critiques to help teams refine their projects for further development.
Advocating Innovation: The Floating Agriculture Solution
The team from Los Baños National High School-Batong Malake was declared the grand winner with their groundbreaking project titled “Agri-Aqua Culture: Floating Agriculture in Flood-Prone Areas.” Their initiative sought to address challenges faced by communities in flood-prone areas by introducing an eco-friendly solution that integrates agriculture and aquaculture on floating platforms. The team’s innovative approach reflected a deep understanding of local conditions and a commitment to enhancing community resilience against climate-driven flooding.
Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists
The UPLB-PMS partnership, through the MET4YOU initiative, exemplifies a collaborative effort to empower future scientists. By providing platforms such as MET4YOU, these institutions nurture young minds, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation. Such initiatives play a crucial role in building a sustainable future, equipping young scientists with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
Looking Ahead
The success of the MET4YOU CALABARZON Competition underscores the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and professional societies in fostering scientific excellence. Moving forward, similar initiatives should be encouraged to continue inspiring and equipping young scientists with the tools needed to drive innovation and resilience in the face of climate change.
For more information, visit the official announcement here: UPLB Official News.
