Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

08 Apr 2026

Nearly 50% of isolates of Salmonella enterica from chicken meat collected from Metro Manila markets are resistant to three or more types of antibiotics

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when medicines used to treat infections no longer work effectively, often due to their overuse and...

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07 Apr 2026

Plant-based milk alternatives have lower caloric, fat, and cholesterol content than dairy milk but often contain more sugar and sodium

The global market for plant-based milk alternatives (PBMiAs) is projected to grow steadily, reaching an estimated USD 30 billion by...

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06 Apr 2026

Many Filipinos lack full awareness of colorectal cancer, its risk factors, and screening options

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadliest malignancies in the Philippines. However, it can be prevented...

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01 Apr 2026

Gaps in a city’s urban landscape, also known as urban voids, have the potential to drive urban revitalization

Suburbanisation is the expansion and spatial reorganization of a growing metropolitan region. For Davao City, this phenomenon has notably damaged...

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31 Mar 2026

Study examines ethnomedicinal evidence on 97 plants traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the world’s 18 mega-biodiverse countries, accounting for two-thirds of global biodiversity and 70-80% of plant...

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30 Mar 2026

New method enables more reliable skin cancer detection by automatically predicting skin lesion types with greater accuracy

Skin cancer is one of the most common and dangerous cancers globally, but early detection can significantly reduce mortality rates....

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27 Mar 2026

The inclusion of bignay pomace reduces the estimated glycemic index of common local grains during digestion

Bignay [Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng] is a fruit widespread in the Philippines. It is usually consumed in processed form as...

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26 Mar 2026

Researchers achieve an 86% response accuracy rate for a hand orthosis for stroke rehabilitation, using surface electromyography signals

Loss of control in gripping with the hand is a possible long-term effect of stroke. Recovery from this is possible...

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25 Mar 2026

Philippine island communities face unique healthcare challenges shaped by geographical isolation and disparities in technological access and literacy

In regions separated by water and challenging terrain, the healthcare journey involves not only crossing physical distances but also navigating...

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24 Mar 2026

The Spanish and Tausug versions of the landmark Sulu–Spanish Treaty of 1836 reflect different intentions

In the second half of the 1830s, several indigenous overlords in the Sulu–Mindanao–Borneo region began signing treaties, marking a new...

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20 Mar 2026

Scientists create the first draft genome of the endangered Visayan spotted deer, a species found only in the Philippines

The genus Rusa, native to South and Southeast Asia, lives in diverse habitats ranging from dense forests to grasslands. Among its...

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19 Mar 2026

A comprehensive study on the health and nutrition of older Filipino adults highlights the need for tailored interventions

Several local studies have been conducted among community-dwelling older Filipinos; however, data gaps in nutrition research exist. In particular, there...

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Research

As the Philippines continues to grow, our need for electricity is also increasing. At the same time, our natural gas supply is gradually running out. Because of this, the country is now exploring new and cleaner ways to produce energy. One of the options being considered is nuclear energy—specifically, a newer kind of power plant called a Small Modular Reactor, or SMR. Unlike traditional large nuclear plants, SMRs are smaller, safer, and easier to build, even in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

This research examines the latest SMR technologies being developed around the world and analyzes which designs are already in operation and may be suitable for consideration in the Philippines. It also takes into account local challenges—such as the country’s high risk of earthquakes, limited land for construction, and existing energy infrastructure—when discussing relevant parameters for selecting an SMR. The study further reviews current laws, policies, and government initiatives that could support the viability of an SMR project. By addressing both the technical and policy aspects, this research aims to help government leaders, engineers, and energy experts understand what is needed to safely and successfully introduce SMRs in the country.

In simple terms, this research can serve as a guide for the Philippines and those involved in energy planning to make smart and safe decisions if the country chooses to pursue nuclear energy. It also highlights that nuclear power could be a clean and reliable energy source, especially as the Philippines works towards energy security and climate-friendly solutions.

This research is the first of its kind to combine global SMR developments with local insights and policy considerations, contributing significantly to national energy planning and technology assessment efforts.
Moreover, the paper supports informed decision-making by aligning technical evaluation with the International Atomic Energy Agency Milestone Approach, and it contextualizes the country’s current nuclear infrastructure development status. This work not only advances academic knowledge in the field of nuclear energy but also serves as a timely resource for policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders working toward energy security, decarbonization, and sustainable development.

Authors: Unico A. Bautista (Energy Engineering Program, University of the Philippines Diliman | Applied Physics Research Section, Atomic Research Division, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute) and Rinlee Butch M. Cervera (Energy Engineering Program, University of the Philippines Diliman | Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: http:// doi.org/10.3390/en18071862