ILOILO CITY – An Ilonggo scientist has been named as one of Asia’s Top 100 scientists.

The Asian Scientist Magazine of Singapore named Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, the vice president for Research and Global Relations of the University of San Agustin here, as one of Asia’s top scientists for the year.
“This recognition is not only for my achievements, it is also a recognition of the productive research programs in the Philippine countryside that could make a positive difference in the lives of Filipinos,” Saludes said.
As director of the university’s Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3), Saludes has been chosen for his work in the discovery of natural medicine from plants and marine sources.
Saludes specifically made discoveries on anti-tuberculosis compounds from noni plant; compounds from marine sponges for diabetes and fungal infection; compounds from beneficial marine bacteria for treatment of skin infections; compounds from honey that are useful in antibacterial formulation; and cholesterol-lowering compounds from pineapple.
Saludes has also found new methods of drug delivery, including discovery of small proteins that could be used to deliver drugs in cancer cells as well as discovery of small proteins that are potential antibacterial agents.
Saludes has also been recognized for his leadership in building human resource research competency.
He said the recognition is a step for the Ilonggos and Filipinos to understand the importance of scientific research for society.
“In this era of knowledge economy and the pandemic, discovery and innovation through research must be embraced for the benefit of the people.”