Seoul, 4 September 2026 - Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez attended the Project Concept Paper (PCP) presentation of KOICA scholarship program participant, Engineer Vergel Cudia Baccay, during the 2026 Incheon International Environmental Technology CONFEZ at Songdo Convensia, upon the invitation of the Incheon National University’s Global Institute for Environmental Convergence Technology. 

Engr. Baccay presented his project, “AI-Driven Digital Twin Technology for Climate-Resilient Water Management and Inclusive Citizen Science in the Cagayan River Basin, Philippines,” which explores the use of emerging technologies to strengthen water resource management, climate resilience, and community participation. The project responds to environmental and sustainable development priorities of particular relevance to the Philippines.

A native of Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Engr. Baccay works with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development. He arrived in the Republic of Korea last 23 February 2026 and is expected to complete his master’s degree in Climate Change and Environmental Management in August 2027. END