The Topology and Algebras Workshop Philippines 2026 (TAWPh2026) was successfully held at Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, from January 5–11, 2026. The international workshop brought together leading experts in topology and algebra from institutions including the University of Cambridge (UK), the Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland), the University of Utah and the University of Virginia (USA), Jadavpur University (India), and Blekinge Institute of Technology and Linnaeus University (Sweden).
The event gathered 60 participants, including professors, researchers, and students from universities across the Philippines, as well as delegates from India and Indonesia.
Organized by Dr. Alfilgen Sebandal, Dr. Monika Kudlinska, Dr. Mark Pengitore, and Dr. Wolfgang Bock, the workshop also concluded the Mentorship Program, which connects international experts with graduate students for research guidance through the Mentis online platform developed by the organizers. Six Filipino students were matched with international mentors, with the program continuing beyond the workshop.
TAWPh2026 was co-organized by Linnaeus University, Holy Name University, Central Mindanao University, the University of the Philippines Diliman, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology, and the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (Regions 10, 12, and BARMM). Additional support came from the Research Center for Theoretical Physics, Central Visayan Institute Foundation, the University of the Philippines Office for International Linkages, the K-Theory Foundation, and the European Mathematical Society.
“In three to five years, I envision the Philippines having a stronger representation in the global mathematics community,” said Dr. Sebandal, head of the organizing committee and lead developer of Mentis.
Following the success of TAWPh2026, Holy Name University and Linnaeus University are exploring an academic partnership, while preparations are underway for TAWPh2028, which is planned to be held in Iloilo City.
Source: HNU