Fighting Mosquito-Borne Threats with Next-Gen Fabric Innovation at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria continue to pose serious public health threats across the Philippines—affecting both densely populated urban areas like Metro Manila and remote rural communities. In 2024 alone, the Department of Health recorded an alarming 82% increase in dengue cases. Beyond the health risks, these outbreaks place a heavy strain on the nation’s healthcare system and hinder economic productivity.

FiberCraze, a startup company from Japan, has developed a groundbreaking technology that may offer a novel solution. Using its unique “crazing” technique, creating microporous structures within fibers, the company produces high-functional materials capable of locking in various active ingredients. One promising application involves embedding mosquito-repellent substances directly into fabrics, enabling the production of clothing that naturally deters mosquitoes without repeated chemical application.

As the Philippines continues to seek sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to mitigating dengue and other vector-borne diseases, innovations like FiberCraze’s technology could play a transformative role. At the upcoming Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025, the panel session titled “Immunity by the Thread: Weaving Mosquito-Repelling Fabric” will explore how science and industry can collaborate to address these public health challenges through material innovation.

Session Panelists
	Dr. Juichi Arai FiberCraze Co., Ltd. Research and Development LeadDr. Juichi Arai is a member of Fiber Craze Co., Japan, leading research and development including fundamental study as well as business development of “Craze” technology and functional fiber, textile and film. He joined Fiber Craze after serving in managerial and research positions at major global companies and start-ups on material such as electrolyte, process such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), application devices such as lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and electric vehicle (EV)s, in-situ analysis for LIBs using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), with more than a hundred patents filed through these. He holds Rh.D. from Tokyo Institute of Technology in engineering chemistry, specializing in electrochemistry and Lithium batteries.
	Mr. Julex Rey V. Aguila National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines – Manila Project Technical AssistantJulex Rey V. Aguila, is an MSc candidate in Public Health (Medical Microbiology) at the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines – Manila, leveraging over six years of expertise as a Medical Technologist specializing in Clinical Microbiology. Mr. Aguila actively contributes to major public health research, currently serving as a Project Technical Assistant in the the research project “Design, Development, and Implementation of a Functional Biorepository and Biobank for the Study of Liver Health and Diseases” under the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines – Manila. His research portfolio includes work on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the standardization of an In-House HIV DNA Quantitative PCR (qPCR) Protocol, and co-authorship on published research abstract concerning HIV and neurocognitive decline. His focus is on bridging advanced laboratory science with actionable public health solutions.
	Ms. Marcela M. Bungag Marikina Polytechnic College Garments, Fashion and Design InstructorMarcela M. Bungag is an accomplished educator and researcher specializing in garments, fashion, and design. She holds advanced academic credentials, including a Doctor of Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching major in Garments Technology from Marikina Polytechnic College, where she currently serves as a permanent Instructor I. With a teaching career spanning more than two decades, Ms. Bungag has previously worked as a HELE Coordinator at OLOPS College and as a Dressmaking Trainer with TESDA in Tuguegarao. Her commitment to innovation in textile research is reflected in her published works on alternative and sustainable materials, such as fish scales and corn husk fibers for gown and fabric production. Recognized for her outstanding thesis, she continues to contribute meaningfully to both education and research in garment technology.

The Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025 will be held on November 8, 2025 at the Quezon City University – Main. This year's event is centered around the theme, “Decoding Traditions, Recoding Innovation: Navigating Toward Adaptive Solutions.” The conference serves as a vital platform for researchers, startups, government stakeholders, and companies to come together and present their ideas for a more progressive and sustainable Philippines. By encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing across various fields, we aim to foster solutions that are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and deeply rooted in community needs. This highlights the deep connection between science and culture, recognizing that our cultural perspectives influence how we interpret and apply science and technology, while scientific progress, in turn, has the power to enrich and transform cultural practices.

 

EVENT DETAILS
Event: Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025
Theme: Theme: Decoding Traditions, Recoding Innovation: Navigating Toward Adaptive Solutions
Date: November 8, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
Venue: Quezon City University – Main

 

Registration for the event is still open! Register as an attendee through the link or QR code below:

https://global.lne.st/Attend-HICPH2025

For more information about the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Philippines and to register for the event, please visit: https://hic.lne.st/en/schedule/ph2025/.