Dr. James Paul T. Madigal is a distinguished scholar, teacher, and researcher whose accomplishments in scientific inquiry inspire both students and professionals. As a pioneer member of the MMSU Bioethanol Team—now the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC)—he helped develop proprietary fermentation and distillation technologies currently adopted by bioethanol producers and local communities in northern Philippines. His work directly contributes to climate change mitigation and sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Madigal has received numerous prestigious awards from DA-BAR, DOST-NAST, ILAARDEC, and ISSAAS, including the Gold Award and AFMA Best R&D Paper (2017 DA-BAR), Best Research Paper and 2nd Best Poster (2017 ISSAAS), and Best Presentation Award at the 2023 Graduate Forum in Tsukuba, Japan. His research is published in respected journals such as Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts, Journal of Microbiology (published this January 2025 with this link https://doi.org/10.1186/s13068-025-02611-y), Biotechnology and Food Science, and Philippine Agricultural Scientist. Through active mentorship, impactful publications, and innovations in renewable energy, Dr. Madigal exemplifies science in service of society, earning him merit as a global science leader. 

 

He recently completed his advanced graduate degree, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture, specializing in Biomass Resource Utilization, in March 2025 at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan. His studies were fully funded through the prestigious Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship under the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

 

In 2019, he conducted pioneering research on yeast strains derived from nipa sap with the goal of reducing yeast production costs and improving local accessibility—ultimately supporting community-based producers. This work led to the successful identification of a nipa-derived yeast strain, Pichia kudriavzevii, which exhibited exceptional tolerance to acidic conditions (pH 2.0) and high temperatures (up to 45°C) and published in the Philippine Agricultural Scientists Journal (Vol. 102 No.3. ISSN 0031-7454). The strain also demonstrated the capability to produce ethanol using various substrates. This technology has been officially registered this year as a Utility Model (Registration No. 1-2020-000052). With support from the Ethanol Producers Association of the Philippines (EPAP), this locally isolated yeast strain will soon be introduced to industrial ethanol producers for potential large-scale application.

 

Moreover, he was accredited as a Registered Microbiologist by the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM), making him one of only two Registered Microbiologists in the entire university. His accreditation as a Registered Microbiologist by the PAM significantly elevates both his professional standing and the scientific capacity of the university. As one of only two Registered Microbiologists on campus, he strengthens the institution’s credibility in microbiological research, teaching, and laboratory standards. This recognition also enhances the university’s ability to pursue advanced research collaborations, secure competitive funding, and develop innovative biotechnology initiatives that directly benefit local industries and communities.