MARAMAG, Bukidnon – The Physics Department of Central Mindanao University (CMU) hosted two Japanese Professors from various universities to enhance Japan-Philippine relations, particularly in nuclear science and technology, last Sept. 21, 2026.
Married couple, Professor Noboru Sasao (Professor Emeritus at Kyoto University, Professor at Okayama University) and Professor Mamiko Sasao (Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University, Researcher at Doshisha University), shared their expertise on nuclear atomic clocks and nuclear fusion, respectively.
The courtesy call started at 1 p.m. at the CMU Office of the President Conference Hall.
This event was attended by the following key persons: Dr. Alnar L. Detalla, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM): Dr. Raquelyn J. Dadang, Director for International Relations; Dr. Normie Jean S. Lacubtan, Chair of the CMU Physics Department; Mr. Efren Hamoy, Chair of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Physics Department, Dr. Michelle Marie S. Villamayor, Unit Head at the Office of External Grants; CMU Physics Department faculty, students, research and extension staff and alumni.
At 3 p.m., senior and junior students from the Physics and Electrical Engineering departments, including University of Southern Mindanao Physics Chair Dr. Jelly Grace Noñesa, participated in the scientific talks by the professors.
Prof. Noboru Sasao highlighted the upcoming Sakura Science Exchange Program. A faculty member and seven students from Mindanao studying BS Physics/Applied Physics will be visiting Okayama University and the Spring-8 facility in November 2026.
The visit, fully funded by the Japanese government, featured various physics lectures and experimental sessions on lasers, photons, and quantum optics. His scientific talk focused on the physics and applications of nuclear atomic clocks using Thorium.
The students visiting in November are the 2nd batch of cohort participants. The first batch of students visited last March 2026 with two faculty members and seven students.
Prof. Mamiko Sasao shared the history of Japan-Philippine relations in vacuum science and plasma physics. Her talk was on the status of nuclear technology and encouraged the Philippines’ active participation in the program. By Michelle Marie S. Villamayor
