The University of St. La Salle (USLS) officially inaugurated the Center for Aerogel Technology for Energy and Environment (CATEE), established in the University with funding from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) on November 21.
USLS and DOST boast CATEE as the first research center in Negros Occidental dedicated to the development of advanced materials, particularly aerogels and nanomaterial, with about five million pesos total funding.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, our University administrators led by University President Br. Joaquin Severino S.Martinez FSC, D.Min, and University Chancellor Minnie O. Chua, together with Lasallian partners.
The laboratory aims to advance research and development activities in the region, focusing on the synthesis and development of functionalized aerogels for diverse applications.
“This center will help our engineering programs, especially our Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Materials Engineering to develop a niche in aerogel technology for various applications, including environmental remediation, research recovery and energy storage devices,” Dr. Mary Ann Torres Pandan, project leader of CATEE and a Lasallian professor, expressed.
On the other hand, Dr. Ma. J-len Jonco-Mesias, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Studies, emphasized that this project has the potential to revolutionize industries, promote sustainability and address pressing challenges, from energy efficiency to environmental conservation.
“Through CATEE, we envision a future where advanced materials such as aerogels are harnessed to implement the quality of life for people in our region and beyond,” Dr. Jonco-Mesias said.
CATEE will also serve as a training ground for future scientists, engineers and innovators by allowing them to engage in hands-on research that equips them with the skills and experiences needed to address the challenges of tomorrow.
In its first year of operation, CATEE hosted two Balik Scientist Fellows to strengthen the science and technology human resources of the country. These fellows shared their research ideas and initiatives related to aerogel technology and its applications at the University.
The fellows were Dr. Khino Parohinog, a chemical engineer with a master's and PhD from Myongji University in Korea, and USLS alumnus Dr. Keith Nealson Penado, who graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a BS in Applied Physics and Materials Science.
CATEE will follow a five-year research roadmap to achieve its objectives; from this year until 2025, the laboratory will focus on Aerogels for Environmental Remediation.
For 2026–2027, the CATEE is envisioned to focus on Aerogels for Resource Recovery and in 2028, the laboratory will concentrate on Aerogels for Energy Applications.
.jpg)