Scientia

05/05/2023

29/04/2023

The 10th National Geology Congress, conducted by the UP Geological Society, is right back on its track this April and May 2023. It is a flagship event of UP GeoSoc that aims to expand the range of connections and strengthen the relationship of the field of geoscience to the people by exploring career paths and discovering more about the earth and its resources.

UP Geological Society is an academic organization from University of the Philippines-Diliman standing to foster the field of geoscience in the country in both academe and outside university. This year, the said organization will be conducting their yearly geological congress that discusses, promotes, and broadens knowledge about the earth.

This year’s National Geology Congress is divided into four main events with distinct purposes. The first one is the Earth Science Teachers’ Webinar, entitled “Exploring the Extremes: A Crash Course on Mineralogy and Earth History”, which was executed last April 15. It was a one-day remote seminar conducted to equip and provide the earth science teachers with some supplementary information designed to amplify the discussion of Earth Science under the K-12 curriculum. Specifically, this webinar is intended to provide a crash course about the history of the earth and the basics of mineralogy, HHMI Biointeractive EarthViewer Workshop, and even providing possible information in the Philippine context.

This event was followed by the High School Student’s Webinar, entitled “Peak Above the Peak: Discovering Career Paths in the Geosciences", which was conducted last April 22. The objective of this webinar provided deep discussions about the several career paths that high school students might be interested in once they got onboard in the field of geology. Specifically, this webinar discussed topics such as: (1) Spatial Data Science and GIS, which includes introduction to GIS and some basic knowledge about Spatial Data Analysis, applications of GIS/Spatial Data Science in the geosciences, skills needed to pursue a career in Spatial Data Science, and some experiences in the field.

The third event is the most recent event included in this year’s Geology Congress. It is the Geology Student’s Forum, entitled "Transforming Terrains: Advancing Geosciences toward Sustainable Energy”, which is to be held this April 29 (Saturday). This forum aims to provide a platform that opens to an in-depth discussion among different sectors of renewable energy in the Philippines with students under BS Geology program and other inclined fields. Furthermore, it targets to discuss topics such as nuclear energy, geothermal energy, and other emerging renewable energy resources. It serves as a means to address common misconceptions about renewable energies, present state of renewable energy in our country and the implemented programs, future plans on exploration and development, job opportunities it may offer, and the contribution of geologists and geoscientists to the establishment of sustainable energy policies.

Lastly, part of this congress is the DIWA Contest: Dignayan sa Infographics, Pagyamanin sa Wikang Atin. This is an infographic contest that promotes and showcases information about the geology of the provinces in our country while highlighting their respective aesthetic and diversity. It promotes the beauty and the ability of the Philippine languages through imparting knowledge and improving understanding and appreciation among local communities of science concepts in the form of infographics. This contest is open to Grade 9 to 12 high school students from the Philippines who are willing to showcase their talent and creativity. The contest’s mechanics is posted in the UP Geological Society’s page. The deadline for submissions is extended until Apr 30, 2023 while the date of announcement of winners is on May 20, 2023.

Photos from the Official page of UP Geological Society
By: Mary Clare D. Fajiculay

27/04/2023

Immerse yourself in an informative discourse regarding the science of Microfluidics in our two-day Biosymposia, happening on April 29 at 9:00 AM PHT and May 1 at 1:00PM PHT.

The webinar aims to enlighten our young scientists and professionals with the advancements that science has progressed in Microfluidics through the years, with the assistance of modern-day technology.

On Day 1, to join us in the discussion of “From Tiny Drops to Mighty Flows: Understanding Microfluidic Devices, Techniques, and Advancements” is Mr. Jonathan Briones, a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering who graduated at Osaka University and received his Master of Science in Philosophy in Physics title from the De La Salle University.

On Day 2, to tackle on “Unleashing Microfluidic Potential: Innovation Beyond Scientific Research and Medicine” is Mr. Ahmad Sohrabi Kashani, a member of the National Research Council in Canada and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Biomedical Engineering Department who received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the Concordia University.

Please do take note that the Day 2 of our webinar series to be held on the 1st of May will not be available for viewing on Facebook through livestream. Hence, please register in the given links and join us in this learning experience!

Register now via these links:

Day 1
From Tiny Drops to Mighty Flows: Understanding Microfluidic Devices, Techniques, and Advancements

April 29 | 9:00 am
To register, kindly accomplish the form
through this link: https://bit.ly/BioSymposia2023-D1

Day 2
Unleashing Microfluidic Potential: Innovation Beyond Scientific Research and Medicine

May 1 | 1:00 pm
To register, kindly accomplish the form
through this link: https://bit.ly/BioSymposia2023-D2

27/04/2023

As we further magnify the minuteness of Microfluidics, be informed with cutting-edge advancements and medicinal innovations from some of the country’s finest professionals in the field. SIHAY National Biology Olympiad 2023 proudly presents “BIOSYMPOSIA 2023: The Art of Fluid Manipulation: Harnessing The Power of Microfluidics”.

The two-day webinar will tackle modern-day methods developed, as well as the breakthroughs beyond medical boundaries on the 29th of April and 1st of May, respectively.

Register now via these links:

Day 1
From Tiny Drops to Mighty Flows: Understanding Microfluidic Devices, Techniques, and Advancements

April 29 | 9:00 am
To register, kindly accomplish the form
through this link: https://bit.ly/BioSymposia2023-D1

Day 2
Unleashing Microfluidic Potential: Innovation Beyond Scientific Research and Medicine

May 1 | 1:00 pm
To register, kindly accomplish the form
through this link: https://bit.ly/BioSymposia2023-D2

27/04/2023

Have a knack for writing and an urge to share your creativity? Come and join Scientia, the official publication of College of Science of UP Diliman! 🌻

👀 Scientia is currently looking for staffers for Admin, Design, News, Features, and Opinion. Our publication is open to all those who have the eagerness to learn, even without prior experience. Get on board before it’s too late!

Sign up in this link:
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023

Have a knack for writing and an urge to share your creativity? Come and join Scientia, the official publication of College of Science of UP Diliman! 🌻

👀 Scientia is currently looking for staffers for Admin, Design, News, Features, and Opinion. Our publication is open to all those who have the eagerness to learn, even without prior experience.

Sign up in this link:
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023

27/03/2023

Have a knack for writing and an urge to share your creativity? Come and join Scientia, the official publication of College of Science of UP Diliman! 🌻

👀 Scientia is currently looking for staffers for Admin, Design, News, Features, and Opinion. Our publication is open to all those who have the eagerness to learn, even without prior experience.

Sign up in this link:
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023

27/03/2023

Have a knack in writing and an urge to share your creativity? Come and join Scientia, the official publication of College of Science of UP Diliman! 🌻

👀 Scientia is currently looking for staffers for Admin, Design, News, Features, and Opinion. Our publication is open to all those who have the eagerness to learn, even without prior experience.

Sign up in this link:
bit.ly/JoinScientia2023

08/11/2022

APPLICATIONS EXTENDED! 📢

Scientia is once again looking for its next Editor-in-Chief!

Applications for the 2022 Scientia Editorial Exam is extended until November 15!

The Editorial Exam will be conducted fully ONLINE and will be composed of two parts: (1) a written phase with an assigned weight of 70 percent, and (2) an oral phase (interview) with an assigned weight of 30 percent.

The written phase will involve editorial writing (with a weight of 65 percent), news writing (25 percent), and layout (10 percent). Traditionally, each part of the written phase lasts for an hour.

This year’s Board of Judges is composed of: Jazryl Galarosa, Scientia’s outgoing Editor-in-Chief; Lars Lenon, the College of Science (CS) Student Council Chair; Jerrieme Lemuel Maderazo, an IC Instructor; Peter John Burgos, an IM Instructor; and a CS student (TBA).

Eligible examinees should have the following: (1) must be bona fide students of the UP Diliman College of Science and have at least one year residence therein; (2) must not be underloaded the previous semester, and (3) must have not been adjudged guilty of any offense with a corresponding penalty exceeding a five-day suspension.

Documents to be submitted includez;
(1) a resumé;
(2) a letter of intent to apply addressed to Scientia’s outgoing Editor-in-Chief Jazryl Galarosa;
(3) a screenshot of a registered Form 5 or of Form 5A (must have been post-advised) for the previous semester;
(4) a Certificate of Good Moral Character from the ADSAPA Office, (Visit https://science.upd.edu.ph/online-application-procedure-for-good-moral-character-certificate-covid-19/), and;
(5) a Certificate of Year Level Standing from the CS Secretary (Answer the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qwDCgaN5rps8-ClRuyLNUYfk9d37eFlIplZKa9eRHYg/viewform?edit_requested=true)

Applications will be accepted through Google Forms (bit.ly/ScientiaEICExam2022), with the sole purpose of admitting the required documents and to distinguish eligible candidates until November 15.

However, Certificates of Good Moral Character and Year Level Standing may be submitted through email until the week of the Exam as these can only be obtained online and processing of Certification may take more than one week.

The Editorial Exam’s written phase will take place through a Zoom Call on Thursday, NOVEMBER 17, starting at 1 PM to 5 PM, and the interview phase will be on Saturday, NOVEMBER 19, starting at 9 AM.

For questions and concerns, email feature editor Laurice Angeles at [email protected] (cc: Scientia at [email protected]).

17/10/2022

Scientia is once again looking for its next Editor-in-Chief!

Applications for the 2022 Scientia Editorial Exam will open this week until OCTOBER 30.

The Editorial Exam will be conducted fully ONLINE and will be composed of two parts: (1) a written phase with an assigned weight of 70 percent, and (2) an oral phase (interview) with an assigned weight of 30 percent.

The written phase will involve editorial writing (with a weight of 65 percent), news writing (25 percent), and layout (10 percent). Traditionally, each part of the written phase lasts for an hour.

This year’s Board of Judges is composed of: Jazryl Galarosa, Scientia’s outgoing Editor-in-Chief; Alab Ayroso, a BS Biology student; Lars Lenon, the College of Science (CS) Student Council Chair; Jerrieme Lemuel Maderazo, an IC Instructor; and Peter John Burgos, an IM Instructor.

Eligible examinees should have the following: (1) must be bona fide students of the UP Diliman College of Science and have at least one year residence therein; (2) must not be underloaded the previous semester, and (3) must have not been adjudged guilty of any offense with a corresponding penalty exceeding a five-day suspension.

Documents to be submitted includez;
(1) a resumé;
(2) a letter of intent to apply addressed to Scientia’s outgoing Editor-in-Chief Jazryl Galarosa;
(3) a screenshot of a registered Form 5 or of Form 5A (must have been post-advised) for the previous semester;
(4) a Certificate of Good Moral Character from the ADSAPA Office, (Visit https://science.upd.edu.ph/online-application-procedure-for-good-moral-character-certificate-covid-19/), and;
(5) a Certificate of Year Level Standing from the CS Secretary (Answer the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qwDCgaN5rps8-ClRuyLNUYfk9d37eFlIplZKa9eRHYg/viewform?edit_requested=true)

Applications will be accepted through Google Forms (bit.ly/ScientiaEICExam2022), with the sole purpose of admitting the required documents and to distinguish eligible candidates starting Monday, October 17 until October 30.

However, Certificates of Good Moral Character and Year Level Standing may be submitted through email until the week of the Exam as these can only be obtained online and processing of Certification may take more than one week.

The Editorial Exam’s written phase will take place through a Zoom Call on Friday, NOVEMBER 4, starting at 1 PM to 5 PM, and the interview phase will be on Sunday, NOVEMBER 6, starting at 1 PM.

For questions and concerns, email Scientia at [email protected].

25/08/2022

30/07/2022

LOOK: Graduates of the College of Science (CS) for 2022 are assembled at the CS Amphitheatre for today's CS Graduation program.

25/07/2022

LOOK: Progressive groups march from Commonwealth Avenue to Tandang Sora calling for climate justice, the end of manpower agencies, and genuine agrarian reform among others.

17/06/2022

NOT GRADWAITING?

BREAKING: The graduating batch of BS Materials Engineering and BS Metallurgical Engineering of UP Diliman released today an open letter calling for the "approval of our appeal regarding the waiving of elective prerequisites needed for graduation," addressed to UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, UP Diliman Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, and Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ma. Theresa Payongayong among others.

Stated in the letter, their graduation status is at risk after being informed that they needed to take prerequisite and corequisite courses for electives they already took throughout their undergraduate program.

The prerequisites and corequisites were not required in the new four-year curriculum they were prescribed to follow back in 2018 by the Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering.

The letter can also be viewed through this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18oU1N8grbtvD3kWtTYFey6BsWP5HWz63

📷MMM Representatives

16/06/2022

It’s not your vote that counts. It’s how we count the votes.
Read also on: https://bit.ly/3QoH1gS

It is time for the elections again. A glorious time where we most actively participate in our democracy. A wondrous time where we choose our representatives and leaders. A time of new beginnings, filled with hope for a better future and promises of change.

If only these honeyed words paint the complete picture of elections. While these idealized statements may be the case for some, most of us loathe election time. It is a time of politicians gallivanting about, spewing promises they can’t keep. A time when their faces plastered on tarpaulins and leaflets pile up as unnecessary waste in our cities. A time when people are bullied by others and held captive by election-related anxiety. While there are many factors that contribute to the dismal state of our elections nowadays, I would like to bring light to one big factor, our voting system.

We vote in a plurality based system. A system where we choose a select number of candidates and no more. In the case of the highest seat of the land, we vote for only one president. Amongst plentiful choices we are forced to pick one, and the candidate that gets picked the most wins. I bring light to this because this system is a terrible way of voting with so many other better alternatives out there.

One such reason is what we call the spoiler effect. It is when a candidate enters a race, loses it, but still affects the overall winner. Consider this scenario. In one election, Madame Rose won with a 57% vote against Mister Moneybags with 43% vote, a close race but the winner was clear to be Rose. In the next election, Sir Suave enters the race. Suave has similar platforms to Rose and sways 15% of the voters away from her but can’t touch Moneybags’ strong voter base. Sir Suave still ends up losing the race with 15% but Rose now only ends up with a 42% vote and loses to Moneybags. Suave spoiled the election and made Moneybags win. This also goes against the very principle of democracy, rule of the many, and has made the 43% of people who want Moneybags win over the 57% who don’t. A very good example of this is the current debacle in our own elections, the very reason why I’m writing this article. After their press conference, Lacson, Moreno, and other presidential candidates are seemingly going after Robredo’s votes. With Moreno even calling for Robredo’s withdrawal. They are not improving their chances of winning and only ruining someone else’s. Spoiling the election for all of us. The spoiler effect played a major role in the 2000 American elections. Green party candidate Ralph Nadar secured 94,000 votes in the state of Florida. Not enough to win the election but enough for Al Gore to lose the electoral votes of Florida and ultimately the entire race. That was in a country with 2 major parties dominating the votes, imagine the effect this has on a multi-party state such as ours.

Another downside of plurality voting is that it makes us betray our favorite. Every election we are faced with dilemmas of either picking our favorite or picking the lesser evil between the two frontrunners. We are forced to strategize our voting instead of actually expressing our democratic interests. This inexpressiveness is a hallmark of plurality voting. In a massive roster of candidates, we form varying opinions on a lot of them. But on the ballot, we are only able to express our opinion on one. In a more democratic system, our other opinions should be heard as well.

Plurality voting also puts a strain on the candidates we see running for office. Campaigns are dominated by familiar faces and fully established family names. New candidates struggle to accrue their own voters because the people are trying to avoid the spoiler effect or are strategizing to pick the lesser evil. Candidates with moderate opinions also suffer disadvantages. People are made to choose candidates who lean more towards one direction in an attempt to truly make their vote count. This is what we call the center-squeeze effect, a widely studied phenomenon in voting theory - an academic field that exists due to the many flaws of plurality voting. In a democratic system we would expect a candidate in the middle of the political spectrum to have a higher chance of winning due to them appealing to more voters but thanks to plurality voting only those in one direction experience representation every election.

So what should we do? How do we fix these big issues? I did say there are better ways to vote. One of those is a simple two word fix. Instead of just saying ‘vote for one candidate’ we say ‘vote for one or more candidates’. This is called approval voting. Candidates would no longer fight for bigger slices of a voter pie; they instead would try their best at increasing their approval. They would really have to win the voters’ trust and not just rely on smear campaigns. This way of voting is the most expressive as you can put down your vote for as many candidates as you want. This system can’t be spoiled nor strategized as there is no longer direct competition for votes. And to top it off, this easy to understand system, with only one change to add to our ballots, and it showcases the most accurate level of support each candidate has.

This change would also see rise to lesser strife amongst candidates. In an approval voting candidates would have lesser incentive to slander or start smear campaigns against their fellow candidates. Since candidates can share voters, we might even see active cooperation between them. I am not calling for protection for our politicians, they are after all a minority to our citizens but a positive change for them is a positive change for our democracy.

Such a simple change to our voting system but massive benefits to our democracy. I for one am boggled that we haven’t yet made the change. Maybe the elites of our nation are scared of the notion of approval rating. Maybe they believe that if the power were truly in the hands of the people then their reign would come to a crashing halt. This type of system has seen recent support in the US, with cities in North Dakota and Missouri adopting it. This type of system is also used by the United Nations in selecting the Secretary General. Approval voting hasn’t been widely used due to a lot of opposition from those who wish to remain with plurality voting and those who advocate other systems, such as instant run-off voting, proportional voting, and many other systems worth a look. However, I will remain adamant that plurality voting is the most flawed of the bunch and must be changed. Changing our voting system is as easy as amending sections 210 and 212 of the Omnibus Election Code and can be done anytime we wish.

For the upcoming May 9 elections, we are still forced to strategize and spoil our votes. But I hope that in the future we would allow democracy to return and we would approve of better elections.

Sources:

Ballotpedia. (2021). Approval voting. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://ballotpedia.org/Approval_voting

Hamlin, A. (2021, April 20). Progress. The Center for Election Science. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://electionscience.org/voting-methods/approval-voting-progress/

Maxmin, C. S. (2012, October 30). Beware the spoiler effect. Opinion. The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/10/30/third-party-spoiler

McIntee, T. (2021, June 28). Problems with plurality. Medium. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://medium.com/basic-voting-theory/problems-with-plurality-a56deea7bd

Cartoon by Ramone

12/06/2022

WATCH: 'PANATA SA KALAYAAN'

Progressive groups and individuals make a pledge onJune 12, Independence Day at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Quezon City.

12/06/2022

LOOK: Progressive groups and individuals flocked to Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Quezon City on June 12 to celebrate Independence Day.