SPP 2013: Message from the SPP President Dr. May T. Lim

Dr. May T. Lim giving a Message from the SPP President
during the SPP 2013 Physics Congress

Dear Conference Participant,

On behalf of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas, welcome to the 31st SPP Physics Congress. The theme for this year’s congress, “Physics Linkfest: Spanning Science and Technology” resonates with us on several levels: describing our specializations, the strategic location of our venue, and even the fundamental nature of physics in interdisciplinary research.

The embedded figure profiles the 173 papers contributed to this year’s SPP Congress. The Samahan is honored to serve as the venue to showcase your work. An interactive visualization of the authorship/affiliation network contributed by Giovanni Tapang, Roland Romero, and Michael Castañares is posted at http://viz.spponline. org.

The Philippine government, our biggest funding source, has started to tailor research funding towards the following priority areas: anti-corruption/ transparent, accountable and participatory governance; poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor (agriculture and food, biotechnology, health); rapid, equitable and sustained economic growth (nanotechnology, ICT, energy, electronics and manufacturing); just, inclusive and lasting peace and the rule of the law; integrity of the environment/ climate change mitigation and adaptation (environment and natural resources, disaster mitigation and management).

SPP 2013: Distribution of topics of submitted papers

We have now entered a challenging decade for physics research and education in the Philippines. In less than two years, the Philippines will enter a free trade arena (ASEAN Economic Community 2015). In less than three years, our universities will see changes in the enrollment pattern due to the K+12 educational system. Both events will require a reaction from us.

I wish everyone a fruitful and enjoyable week.

May T. Lim
President, SPP