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Manila Bulletin devider Environment and Sustainability devider 2025 Newsmakers of the Year shines a light on Dr. Noel Peter Tan's groundbreaking research development

2025 Newsmakers of the Year shines a light on Dr. Noel Peter Tan's groundbreaking research development

Published Feb 21, 2025 02:32 pm

By Jemimah Mapa

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Dr. Tan delivering his acceptance speech at the 2025 Manila Bulletin Newsmakers of the Year Awards

With the rising levels of different plastic waste, air, and water contamination, as well as various human activities, environmental pollution has been a growing concern. 

This pressing global issue on the environment has since threatened both human health and biodiversity and the crisis continues to worsen due to the excessive use of non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic packaging, leading to massive waste accumulation that contributes to global warming and climate change.

Several projects and initiatives have been done as sustainable alternatives to harmful non-biodegradable materials and to reduce their impact on the environment. 

One of the innovations that industries and innovators are looking forward to as a response to this problem is bioplastics. It is a type of plastic made from renewable sources like plant starch, vegetable oil, or agricultural waste, serving as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic based on petroleum.

In the Philippines, chemical engineer Dr. Noel Peter Tan is spearheading the development of biodegradable packaging through nanotechnology. 

Tan is a medium-term Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist leading the Center for Advanced New Materials, Engineering, and Emerging Technologies (CANMEET) at the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo, where he shares his knowledge and expertise in Applied Chemistry. 

His development, along with partners at CANMEET, aimed to create an alternative biodegradable bioplastic with enhanced mechanical properties suitable for packaging applications.

Compared to traditional plastic made from petroleum-based raw materials, bioplastic materials come from renewable resources, making it a sustainable alternative and significantly reducing long-term environmental pollution.

Tan’s remarkable work on revolutionizing nanotechnology earned him a spot in this year’s Manila Bulletin Newsmakers of the Year Awards held on February 10, 2025, at The Tent City, Manila Hotel, alongside Manila Bulletin’s 125th anniversary celebration. 

The second MB Newsmakers of the Year Awards honored the excellence of various individuals and organizations in entertainment, business, sports, arts and culture, corporate leadership, and public service, through their impactful stories of achievements and breakthroughs.

In his speech, Tan expressed gratitude toward Manila Bulletin for acknowledging the science and research development sector to be recognized this year. 

“I am in awe to be in the same room with our national athletes and all the big achievers who have done or made a national impact this year. Through this award, I think Manila Bulletin gives voices to the researchers, scientists, and engineers in the country that we are all relevant to nation building,” he stated.

Aside from honoring this breakthrough in science and technology, Manila Bulletin is also a staunch advocate for sustainability, as reflected in its various projects and initiatives, such as the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum and Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session. 

These programs serve as platforms not only to raise awareness about sustainability but also to foster connections that drive efforts toward a greener future. To further solidify this commitment, Manila Bulletin has partnered with Volvo to present this award, as both share the same vision for sustainability and environmental responsibility.

This groundbreaking innovation plays a crucial role in addressing environmental pollution, as well as advancing science and research development in the country. 

Tan mentioned, “We may take small steps, but the translation of our efforts drives economic growth through the development of new technologies, new talents, and industries and products. With this award, I am inspired to do more and continue my journey as a scientist, giving back to the country the best way I can.”

More than Tan’s expertise in the field, his perseverance and passion to drive innovation inspire students and future scientists, making him worthy to be part of the Manila Bulletin 2025 Newsmakers of the Year Awards.

Related Tags

MBEnvironment MB125 Dr. Noel Peter Tan
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