Outstanding Filipino Researchers Honored with Prestigious Awards and P200,000 Prize at NSTW 2025
Five outstanding Filipino researchers were recognized for their exceptional achievements in science and technology during the grand opening ceremony of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) 2025 on Tuesday, November 18.
Held in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, the ceremony saw the awardees receive a P200,000 cash prize, a medal, and a plaque from the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL). The annual NSTW Awards, presented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), honor individuals and groups whose work demonstrates significant relevance and public impact.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the national importance of the awards, stating, “Today’s awardees exemplify Filipino scientific excellence. Their work strengthens our resilience, supports our communities, and advances our nation’s development.”
The 2025 awardees and their recognized work are:
- Joseph Q. Baconcillo of DOST-PAGASA received the Eduardo A. Quisimbing Medal for his study, “Influence of Multiyear Variability on the Observed Regime Shifts in the Philippine Climatology.” His research provides crucial new insights into long-term climate trends, directly supporting national disaster risk reduction and seasonal forecasting efforts.
- Andrew C. Montecillo from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) was awarded the Julian A. Banzon Medal for his study, “LAMPPOST: Livestock and Avian Molecular Pathogenomics for Precision Outbreak Surveillance and Tracking.” This work delivered the Philippines’ first genomic surveillance of major livestock and avian viruses.
- A research team from UPLB, led by Violeta N. Villegas, received the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal for their work on the “A Papaya Revolution: The ‘Sinta’ Variety’s Commercial Triumph.” The team included Pablito M. Magdalita, Reynold B. Pimentel, Enrique R. Barile, and Fernando B. Aurigue.
- Another UPLB team, led by Mercedes Umali-Garcia, also received the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal for their proposed “Bio-N Technology.” The team includes Julieta A. Anarna, Domingo R. Holongbayan, and several other researchers.
- Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-De La Paz, Executive Director of the National Institute of Health, was awarded the Discoro L. Umali Medal for her exemplary leadership in strengthening the NIH and aligning its programs with national health priorities.
The NSTW Awards are a cornerstone of the annual NSTW celebration, recognizing significant contributions to the generation of knowledge, technological development, and the promotion of science and technology in the Philippines.#
