The 71st PhilAAST Annual National Convention 2022 and Awarding of Eight Leading Scientists

The Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST) has concluded its 71st Annual National Convention last September 9, 2022 at the historic Manila Hotel.  This year theme is Accelerating Transformations for Sustainable Development Through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and aims to promote.  

In her welcome message, PhilAAST President Dr. Diana Ignacio said that since their inception, the PhilAAST has recognized the indisputable value of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for national development.  This is the reason why this year's theme focuses on STI and it's role in sustainable development.  

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr delivered a keynote message congratulating the PhilAAST and recognized and commended the invaluable efforts and selfless service of the officers and members of the organization.  He said that the organization has always been a consistent partner of the DOST.  Wealth creation, wealth protection, human wellbeing, sustainability will be the focus of the department to meet the vision outlined by President Bongbong Marcos.  He looks forward to a more rewarding partnership in the future.

Dr Reynaldo dela Cruz, VP of PhilAAST and concurrent chair of the awards committee led the awarding of eight scientists who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.  This year award recipients include:

• Dr Mario A Aurelio - recipient of the Gregorio Y Zara for Basic Research Award for his valuable contribution in the teaching of structural geology and geodynamics which are essential to sustainable development of the Philippines
• Dr Imelda A Ongo - recipient of the Gregorio Y Zara for Applied Research Award for her research, development, and technology innovation focusing on environment, food, and agricultural products.
• Ms Arsenia Sapin - recipient of the Dr Ceferino Follosco Award for Product and Process Innovation for her outstanding commercial and patented technology, innovation in phenolics based products from mango
• Dr Nilo T Bugtai - recipient of the Dr Paolo C Campos Award for Medical Research for being the country's leading pioneer in health technologies and biomedical devices that involve the application of robotic technology and artificial intelligence that are safe, easy to use, affordable and reliable
• Dr Fortunato L Cristobal - recipient of the Dr Lourdes Campos Award for Public Health for his vision of a socially accountable, relevant, and responsive community engaged medical education and health care in Mindanao
• Dr Rinlee Butch M Cervera - recipient of the David M Consunju Award for Engineering Research for undertaking significant research projects in the new frontier of material science and engineering focusing on energy storage and conversion devices, ways to energy applications, and research on green materials
• Dr Anthony Shun Fung Chiu - recipient of the Dr Mike Purvis Award for Sustainability Research for his works in the cleaner production, industrial ecology, and sustainable consumption and production more specifically in the introduction of a four stage eco industrial park development model for Asia and the Pacific, nexus between facility level, cleaner production, and beyond the wall eco industrial networking, advocacy to link science, policy and management and the crafting of policy framework for sustainable framework and production   
• Dr Maria Luz G Sison -  post humous recipient of the Leads Agri Award for Agricultural Research for her lifelong career in studying insect-crops interaction involving important economic crops thus paving the way for better understanding of infection mechanisms, resistance response of crops and effective pest control

PhilAAST Director Dr Ida Dalmacio is the masters of ceremony of the convention. 

Congratulations to all the awardees!

Watch the FB live DOST-ITDI  here