Highlights

IMPACT R&D Joins Historic DOST-Certified Science Foundations General Assembly and Partnerships Forum

IMPACT R&D proudly participated in the first-ever DOST-Certified Science Foundations’ General Assembly and Partnerships Forum held on September 22, 2025 at the Titanium Hall, DOST-MIRDC, Bicutan, Taguig City.

This pioneering event, organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Foundation Unit (DOST-SFU) and DOST-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), gathered over 50 DOST-certified Science Foundations from across the country. IMPACT R&D was honored to be among the select foundations recognized for their vital role in advancing science, technology, and innovation.

Published on: September 23, 2025

We are proud to announce that IMPACT R&D has been officially certified as a Science Foundation by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under Certificate No. 25-F-008.

This distinguished recognition places IMPACT R&D among a select group—1 of only 53 foundations certified during this rigorous DOST evaluation process. It affirms our steadfast commitment to advancing inclusive, science-based research and development that empowers communities and fosters sustainable transformation.

As a DOST-certified Science Foundation, IMPACT R&D is now even better positioned to help drive the nation’s innovation agenda, contribute to evidence-based policy and practice, and strengthen collaborations across government, industry, and civil society.

We are excited to share this achievement with our partners, collaborators, and stakeholders who continue to support our mission.

For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, please feel free to contact us. Together, let’s lead impactful science for social good.

Published on: May 28, 2025

IMPACT R&D Now a DOST-Certified Science Foundation

IMPACT R&D Proposes Innovative Digital Forest Protection System

IMPACT R&D is excited to announce its proposed project, the Philippine Forest Watch (PFW) System / Bantay Gubat System, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening forest protection and management. PWF will leverage cutting-edge geospatial technologies to create a digital forest management and protection early-warning and operational system that detects potential forest disturbances and hotspot areas subject to forest protection and management.

PFW has 3 components:

Deforestation and Degradation Hotspot System
Bantay Gubat App
Philippine Forest Watch Website

This project takes a unique, community-driven approach to forest management and protection. The BantayGubat app and PFW WebGIS platforms will be co-designed with local stakeholders, ensuring to meet the specific needs of forest rangers, LGUs, and communities. By empowering local communities through the BantayGubat app and incentivizing their participation, we aim to create a more sustainable, effective, and digital system for the management and protection of forestlands.
Published on: April 23, 2025

ArcGIS Online Workshop Unlocks the Power of Geographic Information Systems, Led by Forester Gerald Eduarte

At IMPACT R&D, we specialize in transforming complex research into accessible and engaging data through interactive tools, including online dashboards, and dynamic maps. This workshop, led by Forester Gerald Eduarte, directly equipped our staff and interns with the essential skills to deliver these crucial services using ArcGIS Online.

The workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to ArcGIS Online, a cloud-based platform for creating interactive maps, analyzing spatial data, and sharing geographic information. The workshop began with an informative lecture by Forester Eduarte, followed by hands-on training. Participants had a practical experience in using ArcGIS Online, with a particular focus on MapViewer and Dashboard functionalities. They learned how to create web maps, visualize spatial data, and develop their online dashboards.

The workshop was attended by IMPACT staff and our interns from Laguna University, providing a valuable learning opportunity for all. Participants gained valuable skills in data management, visualization, and communication, enabling them to effectively communicate geographic insights.

Published on: February 28, 2025

Taking to the Skies: Drone Mapping Workshop with Dr. Jabez Flores

A highly successful Drone Mapping Workshop, providing participants with hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving field of aerial data collection, was led by drone expert Dr. Jabez Flores. The workshop offered a comprehensive overview of drone technology, flight planning, data acquisition, and processing techniques.

The workshop began with an informative lecture by Dr. Flores, covering essential aspects of drone technology and crucial safety considerations for drone flight and mapping. Participants then had the opportunity to work with three different drones, each showcasing unique features and specifications. Everyone, including IMPACT R&D staff, representatives from the Barangay (barangay officials and SKs), and our interns from Laguna University, had the chance to experience flying the drones firsthand.

Participants learned how to utilize drones for various applications, including surveying, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. They gained practical skills in capturing high-resolution imagery and generating accurate geospatial data. A significant highlight was the uploading of the collected drone data to GeoNadir, making it publicly accessible through the platform.

The workshop fostered a collaborative learning environment, enabling participants to share knowledge and explore the potential of drone mapping technology. We're proud to have equipped these individuals with the tools and expertise needed to leverage drones for their projects and our organization's future initiatives.

Published on: February 25, 2025

Successful implementations of projects in Nueva Ecija, the Philippines

Understanding Lived Experiences of Food Environments and How These Shape Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Nueva Ecija, the Philippines

Our team completed two complementary research projects in Nueva Ecija—a geospatial study and a qualitative study. a geospatial analysis and a qualitative inquiry—to deepen understanding of how local food environments influenced fruit- and vegetable-consumption patterns. These studies illuminated the complex interplay between physical access, cultural norms, and individual perceptions that ultimately guided dietary choices.

See more here.

Published on: February 24, 2025

Pioneering Partnership: Laguna University Students Intern at IMPACT R&D

IMPACT R&D is excited to welcome our inaugural group of interns, three talented Computer Science students from Laguna University! These interns are embarking on a crucial project: the planning and development of a new internal administrative system for IMPACT R&D.

While still in the initial planning phases, their work is laying the groundwork for a system that will significantly streamline our administrative tasks. This system is envisioned to improve efficiency and organization by creating a centralized platform to track finances and project progress, and file all forms and documents for the organization.

These interns are bringing fresh perspectives and a strong foundation in computer science to this project. We're providing them with a valuable opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting, and we're eager to witness their progress as they move from planning to development.

This marks the beginning of a pioneering partnership with Laguna University, a collaboration we deeply value. We believe in fostering the growth of future professionals and are committed to consistently inviting interns to join our team in the years to come.

Published on: February 5, 2025

Dr. Arnan B. Araza, a Filipino Climate Scientist Honored by Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation recently honored 21 exceptional IPCC scholars from developing countries at the Planetary Health Awards. HSH Prince Albert II, alongside Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a (IPCC) and Mrs. Maria Elena Cuomo (Cuomo Foundation), presented diplomas to these young researchers, including Dr. Arnan B. Araza, president and founder of IMPACT R&D.

This prestigious event celebrated the next generation of climate leaders and their groundbreaking research. Empowered by the Foundation's long-standing scholarship program, these scholars are at the forefront of critical post-doctoral research on climate change and soil health. Their work is vital to addressing global environmental challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.

Published on: November 21, 2024

Dr. Araza Contributes to GFOI Workshop, Advancing the Use of Biomass Maps in Forest Monitoring Procedures

The Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) recently hosted a workshop to advance the use of biomass maps in forest monitoring procedures. This event, held in Potsdam, Germany, brought together experts from around the globe to discuss the application of space-based biomass maps for monitoring aboveground forest biomass and carbon stocks.

Dr. Araza, a leading expert in biomass and biomass change mapping, played a key role in the workshop. His contribution focused on the application of biomass and biomass change maps for MRV, utilizing frameworks and publications from the PhD and postdoctoral research, alongside experiences in the global map assessments for ESA’s Climate Change Initiative and carbon accounting methodologies (SEEA, UNFCCC). Additionally, support was provided for the participation of the Philippines in the workshop.

See more here.

Published on: November 21, 2024

Kaingin to Agroforestry (K2A) – A Transformational Shift for Forests and Farmers in Palawan

The Kaingin to Agroforestry (K2A) project is a transdisciplinary research initiative led by IMPACT R&D that aims to transition upland communities in Southern Palawan from unsustainable slash-and-burn (kaingin) agriculture to sustainable, forest-based agroforestry systems. By combining geospatial analysis, participatory mapping, indigenous knowledge, and climate-smart practices, the project seeks to co-develop a practical and culturally appropriate agroforestry transition model. It will generate site-specific data, policy briefs, training toolkits, and blueprints for demonstration sites, while empowering local farmers, especially Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. The project engages multiple stakeholders—including LGUs, academic institutions, and people’s organizations—to ensure local ownership, policy integration, and long-term impact on biodiversity, food security, and rural livelihoods.

Photo Credit: Sammy Cruz and Green Aid Agro Firm Seychelles

Published on: March 10 2025

Sharing Geospatial Expertise: Contributions to Ecosystem Accounting

Dr. Arnan B. Araza has been actively promoting the use of geospatial technologies in ecosystem accounting through his engagement with the Balik Scientist Program (BSP). As a postdoctoral researcher at Wageningen University and Research, he has brought his expertise back to the Philippines, contributing significantly to the “Natural Capital Accounting of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea” Project (RE-INVEST WPS Project 2).

Activities under the BSP have included:

Leading workshops and lectures: Workshops on various geospatial tools, including ArcGIS online dashboards and QGIS were conducted. For. Mitsui Chin Sen Yu, a Research Associate at IMPACT R&D, provided a lecture on how to use Google Earth Engine to access and process ecosystem extent maps.
Contributing to research and publications: He has been actively involved in research on blue carbon and has presented his findings at several international conferences.
Organizing and participating in knowledge-sharing events: He has organized workshops and lectures for researchers and students, and has participated in the “Usapang Mapa at Kapaligiran” lecture series, where he discussed forest carbon accounting using remote sensing.

Dr. Araza has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of geospatial technologies in ecosystem management and conservation. His work exemplifies the valuable contributions of Balik Scientists in advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening research capacity in the Philippines. Through his dedication and expertise, he is helping to ensure the sustainable management of our natural resources for future generations.

Published on: August 19, 2024

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