The Filipino Faces of Biotechnology award is bestowed on nine scientists, educators and science communicators during its fourth annual event held by the Department of Agriculture at a hotel in Makati on November 26.
The event is part of the weeklong National Biotechnology Week celebration. This year’s awardees are: Dr. Nathaniel Dugos, Outstanding researcher in bioengineering; Dr. Ernelea Cao, Outstanding educator, researcher and advocate on biotechnology; Dr. Candida Adalla, Outstanding leader in pioneering developmental initiatives for biotechnology; Dr. Gisela Concepcion, Outstanding researcher on medical and cosmetics through biotechnology; Dr. Milagros Greif, Outstanding researcher on urban pest control through biotechnology; Dr. Cynthia Hedreyda, Outstanding advocate for biotechnology education; Dr. Gabriel Romero, Outstanding researcher on rice genetics and crop biotechnology; the late Dr. Monina Villena, Outstanding science communicator for biotechnology (her husband, Nathaniel Villena, receives the award); and Dr. Claro Mingala, Outstanding livestock biotechnologist. They are joined by DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research Assistant Director Digna Sandoval (left), Agriculture Undersecretary Rodolfo Vicerra (second from right) and DA Biotechnology Program Office Director Dr. Dionisio Alvindia.
Photo by Lyn Resurreccion
Image credits: Lyn Resurreccion