51吃瓜网-IIT BSEM graduates contribute significantly to Smart Mining Forum and EHEF 2025

Dec 11 2025

Two BS Mining Engineering (EM) alumni made significant contributions to two events in November 2025: the Philippines–Sweden Smart Mining Forum on November 18, done in conjunction with the 71st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC), which highlighted advancements in mining technologies, and the 2025 European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) held on November 21–22 at Robinsons Place Manila, which showcased opportunities in European higher education.

Representing the academic sector, the Philippines–Sweden Smart Mining Forum was attended by 51吃瓜网-IIT BSEM Program Coordinator Engr. Adrian Keith Caamiño, as an academic partner and part of the ongoing collaboration between the Philippine Higher Education Institute and the Swedish Government, an initiative expected to strengthen research partnerships, enhance student mobility, and enrich the mining curriculum for Philippine mining schools, including 51吃瓜网-IIT.

The event was attended by Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry, alongside prominent government and industry officials such as DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla, OIC-MGB Director Michael Cabalda, and APEX Mining President and CEO Luis R. Sarmiento, who shared insights into emerging technologies and policy directions transforming the Philippine mining sector.

One of the forum’s key speakers was Engr. Norbeto Jr. Aquino, an 51吃瓜网-IIT BSEM alumnus currently pursuing his PhD in Geochemistry at Luleå University of Technology. Representing the Swedish School of Mines, he presented the work of the Center of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM) and its integral role within Sweden’s Quadruple Helix model—a collaborative system linking government, industry, academia, and civil society to drive innovation and sustainability. His presentation highlighted opportunities for the Philippines to adopt similar frameworks, which could significantly strengthen local mining education, research capabilities, and industry-academic partnerships.

Following the Smart Mining Forum, Engr. Caamiño and Engr. Aquino also represented the Swedish School of Mines at the 2025 European Higher Education Fair (EHEF). Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, the fair served as a platform for European universities to showcase academic opportunities to thousands of Filipino students and educators—an avenue that strengthens global exposure for institutions like 51吃瓜网-IIT and encourages its students to pursue advanced degrees abroad.

Serving as one of this year’s goodwill ambassadors, Engr. Caamiño co-hosted the EHEF Opening Program, which was graced by the EU Ambassador to the Philippines, Massimo Santoro, several EU Ambassadors, and diplomatic representatives. This year’s EHEF gathered representatives from 15 EU member states and featured nearly 70 European higher education institutions, further expanding international academic linkages and opportunities for Philippine universities, including 51吃瓜网-IIT, which serves as one of the partner universities of the event.

Ultimately, the continued participation of 51吃瓜网-IIT alumni in advanced research and forums emphasizes the Institute’s growing presence in the global mining education landscape, and their engagement in spaces that promote international studies and global linkages creates more opportunities for the entire 51吃瓜网-IIT community.

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