Filipino scientists were once again recognized for their excellence in science and technology.
The National Academy of Science and Technology of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) conferred four awards to research and development (R&D) specialists at the opening of the past week’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), the agency’s news release said.
The awards conferred were the Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal for Basic Research; Julian A. Banzon Medal for Applied Research; NSTW Outstanding Science Administrator Award, or the Dioscoro L. Umali Medal; and the NSTW Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award, or the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal.
Prof. Mary Beth B. Maningas and David Angelo V. Guanzon of the University of Santo Tomas won the Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal. The tandem bested four other nominees in the mathematical, physical and life sciences category.
Their peer-reviewed article, that was published in the July 2018 issue of Developmental and Comparative Immunology, provides evidence that foreign dsRNA triggers a cascade of genes that promote an antiviral state in the edible whiteleg shrimp.
Moreover, the “fab five” team at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Biotech) edged another nominee for the Julian A. Banzon Medal.
Arsenia B. Sapin led the Biotech team at the University of the Philippines Los Baños composed of Dr. Rodney H. Perez, Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, Arra Gaylon and Maria Katrina N. Alaon, with support from Jessica Juarez and Roland Martinez.
Their study that was published in the June 2021 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science proved that phenolics extracted from waste mango branches can promote higher antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities than ascorbic acid and acarbose, respectively.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, president of Mariano Marcos State University, topped two other nominees when she bagged the the Dioscoro L. Umali Medal for her work in agricultural sciences.
Agrupis focused on seven key areas, dubbed as ACHIEVE, for: academic excellence; creative, relevant, and innovative research program; high-impact and transformative extension and outreach program; improved revenue generation; expanded external linkages and partnerships; vibrant and nurturing learning environment; and efficient and effective management system.
Another awardee, Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy, dean of the Mapúa School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering, topped eight other nominees for the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal.
Uy is the founder and CEO of Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System (Usher) Technologies Inc.
Usher enables 24/7 remote data monitoring and alerting on structural damage to a building as earthquakes occur.
This year’s NSTW has the theme “Aghám at Teknolohíya: Tugón sa Hámon ng Panahón.”
Allyster A. Endozo/S&T Media Service
