Five outstanding Filipino researchers were recognized for their exceptional achievement in the field of science and technology at the grand opening ceremony of this year’s National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) held at Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, on November 18, Tuesday.
Presenting this year’s NSTW awardees as they receive their medal and plaque from DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. at the opening ceremony of the 2025 NSTW. Also with them are National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines President Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (extreme left), chairperson of the Board of Judges of the Outstanding R&D Award, National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz and the representative of the Board of Judges for the Outstanding Science Administrator Award, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora (extreme right). (Photo by Xyrus Ivan B. De Gracia, DOST-STII)
Presented by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), the awardees received P200,000 cash prize, along with a medal and plaque.
Every year, through the NSTW Awards, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognizes individuals and groups whose work exemplifies relevance and public impact.
“Today’s awardees exemplify Filipino scientific excellence. Their work strengthens our resilience, supports our communities, and advances our nation’s development. By recognizing them, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where science and innovation uplift every Filipino,” as emphasized by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.
This year, Joseph Q. Baconcillo, of the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) was recognized in his outstanding scientific study titled “Influence of Multiyear Variability on the Observed Regime Shifts in the Philippine Climatology”.
This study provides crucial new insights into long-term climate trends and variability directly supporting the nation’s disaster risk reduction preparedness and seasonal forecasting effort.
Baconcillo received the Eduardo A. Quisimbing Medal conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research.
On the other hand, Andrew C. Montecillo from the University of the Philippines Los Baños was also recognized in his scientific study titled “LAMPPOST: Livestock and Avian Molecular Pathogenomics for Precision Outbreak Surveillance and Tracking”.
According to NAST PHL, this study delivered the first genomic surveillance of major livestock and avian viruses in the Philippines.
He received the Julian A. Banzon Medal conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research.
Moreover, Gregorio Y. Zara Medal conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award was awarded to the researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños for their study titled “A Papaya Revolution: The ‘Sinta’ Variety’s Commercial Triumph”.
This study was led by Violeta N. Villegas with contribution from her fellow researchers Pablito M. Magdalita, Reynold B. Pimentel, Enrique R. Barile, and Fernando B. Aurigue.
The same award was also given to a proposed study titled “The Bio-N Technology,” which was led by Mercedes Umali-Garcia, along with her fellow researchers Julieta A. Anarna, Domingo R. Holongbayan, Cesinande H. Dela Rosa, Edison S. Abrigo, Fernando B. Cagayat, Jomar F. Hon, Ricky A. Altamira, Marwin C. Sinajon, Noel I. Garcia, Allan D. Barachina, and Leo H. Manipol from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Lastly, the National Institute of Health Executive Director Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-De La Paz was also recognized for her exemplary leadership at NIH, strengthening its ecosystem and steering its transition from independent initiatives to outcome-driven programs aligned with national health priorities.
Cutiongco-De La Paz received the Discoro L. Umali Medal, conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Science Administrator Award.
The NSTW Awards recognize individuals and institutions that have made significant accomplishments and contributions to the generation of knowledge and technologies, utilization of research results, and promotion of S&T in the country. It is given during the annual NSTW celebration.
