Beset with issues that affect its environment involving waste, Mindanao is putting its hopes on its first and only nanotechnology center whose drive is to establish solutions to the region’s environmental issues.
In an interview, Director Dr. Chosel Lawagon was optimistic about the “Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES)” in its potential of setting an example in “translating research into meaningful, innovative projects benefiting the community.”
CGNIES of the University in Mindanao (UM) officially became Mindanao’s first nanotechnology center on August 19, 2022.
The project was backed by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) via the Infrastructure Development Program (IDP).
A recipient of multiple awards, Lawagon has been pivotal in the conversion of waste into nanoparticles and its subsequent generation as renewable energy via nanogenerators.
In support of the project, the DOST of Davao, via its director, Dr. Anthony Sales, states the agency’s commitment to working closely with UM in guaranteeing that relevant objectives are delivered.
Meanwhile, IDP provides CGNIES with the financial support that is necessary for the upgrade of facilities as well as research laboratories of academic institutions in the Philippines.