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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pinoy scientists feted in NSTW celebration

Pinoy scientists feted in NSTW celebration

Published Nov 28, 2021 12:49 pm

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has conferred awards to Filipino scientists for their valuable and outstanding science and technology (S&T) technology contributions.

(DOST- NAST PHL Facebook)

The NSTW Outstanding R&D Awards were given to research and development (R&D) specialists and groups for their Philippine-based research published in peer-reviewed S&T journals.

The awards were Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal for Basic Research in the field of mathematical, physical, or life sciences; Julian A. Banzon Medal for Applied Research in agriculture, industry, health, or social sciences; Outstanding Science Administrator Award or the Dioscoro L. Umali Medal; and the Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award or the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal.

The Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal for Basic Research was conferred to tandem—Mary Beth B. Maningas and David Angelo V. Guanzon of the University of Santo Tomas who bested four other nominees in the mathematical, physical, and life sciences category.

Their peer-reviewed article was published in the July 2018 issue of Developmental and Comparative Immunology. It provides evidence that foreign dsRNA triggers a cascade of genes that promote an antiviral state in the edible whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei).

Led by Arsenia B. Sapin, the “fab five” team from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH)-University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) bagged the Julian A. Banzon Medal for Applied Research.

The BIOTECH project team is composed of Dr. Rodney H. Perez, Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, Arra Gaylon, and Maria Katrina N. Alaon.

Jessica Juarez and Roland Martinez support the team.

The team’s study proved that phenolics extracted from waste mango branches can promote higher antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities than ascorbic acid and acarbose, respectively. It was published in the June 2021 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science (PJS), the country’s oldest peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Meanwile, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, president of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), received the NSTW Outstanding Science Administrator Award or the Dioscoro L. Umali Medal for her work in agricultural sciences.

"Dr. Agrupis’ strategic vision focused on seven key areas dubbed as ACHIEVE: 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,” the DOST said.

On the other hand, Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy, dean of the Mapúa School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering, got the NSTW Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award or the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal.

Uy is the founder and chief executive officer of USHER Technologies Inc.

USHER technology or Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System seeks to prevent adverse effects of earthquakes in infrastructures.

The Filipino-made USHER technology monitors the structural health of buildings and bridges remotely through its USHER ERI Maximus which functions as an Earthquake Recording Instrument that is more than compliant with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) guidelines and implementing rules on earthquake recording instrumentation for buildings and the National Structural Code of the Philippines.

The USHER has a 24/7 Web Portal System that allows remote monitoring and analysis of the structural integrity of buildings and other structures, and enables economical and hassle-free compliance with government regulations.

All four awards were conferred during the NSTW opening ceremonies held on Nov. 22.

The awardees received medals, plaques, and cash prizes.

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