The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is an organization which aims to promote science and technology in the lives of Filipinos. It is created and initiated in 1976 through the Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, “Creating the National Academy of Science and Technology,” signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Being “the government’s highest recognition body on science and technology,” it has been mandated to recognize talented Filipinos with commendable achievements in the field of science and to encourage other young minds to partake in advancements in scientific and technological studies and researches.
The University of the Philippines has proven its prominence as the training ground of nation’s top scientists. Twenty-two faculty members and researchers from the UP College of Science (CS) received seven out of the twelve award categories of NAST. The coveted National Scientist Award was also given to a faculty member of the said college. Following are the NAST categories and the awardees:
*Outstanding Young Scientist Awards - given to young Filipino scientists (less than 40 years old) who have made significant contributions to science and technology.
Dr. Vincent Ricardo M. Daria (National Institute of Physics)
Associate Professor, Optics and Microscopy
PhD (Osaka University)
Dr. Arturo O. Lluisma (The Marine Science Institute)
Research Assistant Professor
PhD Biology (Dalhousie University, Canada)
Dr. Jose Ernie C. Lope (Department of Mathematics)
Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Mathematics
PhD/MS Mathematics (Sophia University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan)
Dr. Windell L. Rivera (Institute of Biology)
Assistant Professor, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
PhD Medical Science (Cellular and Molecular Microbiology) (Nagasaki University, Japan)
Dr. Maricor N. Soriano (National Institute of Physics)
Associate Professor, Optics and Signal Processing
PhD/MS (UP Diliman)
*Third World Academy of Science (TWAS) Prize for Young Scientist in the Philippines - given to outstanding young Filipino scientist by the Academy (NAST) and the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
Dr. Ma. Corazon A. De Ungria (Natural Science Research Institute)
University Researcher, DNA Analysis Lab Head
PhD Molecular Biology (University of South Wales, NSW, Australia)
*NAST-Du Pont Talent Search for Young Scientists - given to recognize young scientists (35 years old or younger within the year of the awarding) and to encourage them to pursue a career in science.
Dr. Julius M. Basilla (Department of Mathematics)
Assistant Professor
PhD Mathematics (Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan)
Dr. Carlo Mar Y. Blanca (National Institute of Physics)
Associate Professor, Optics and Microscopy
PhD/MS (UP Diliman)
*NAST-Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award - given to outstanding research works that contribute to environmental protection and conservation.
Dr. Wilfredo L. Barraquio (Institute of Biology, posthumous)
Professor, Microbial Physiology, Microbial Ecology
PhD (McGill University, Canada)
*NAST - LELEDFI Award for Outstanding Research in Tropical Medicine - given to outstanding research works that contribute to the advancement of the country's knowledge and practice in Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion (Marine Science Institute)
Associate Professor, Marine Natural Products, Biochemistry, Development of Bioscreening Methods
PhD Chemistry (UP Diliman)
MSI Researchers:
Gina B. Caraan-Mangalindan
Shiela Marie V. Pimentel-Mercado
José Enrico H. Lazaro
Imelda T. Sandoval-dela Cruz
Alice A. Sertan-de Guzman
Rey Z. Predicala
Rowena R. Antemano
Joyce Sarah A. Ibana
Zenaida P. Bojo
*Outstanding Book Award - given annually to books published in Philippines or elsewhere by Filipino authors or co-authors within five years preceding the award. The winner is judged for its quality and originality of content, contribution to science and technology, clarity of presentation, and thoroughness of documentation.
Dr. Gavino Trono Jr.
(“Field Guide and Atlas of the Seaweed Resources of the Philippines”, ISBN 971-704-011-7, published by the Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture and Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. c/o The Marine Science Institute, UP Diliman (2004))
Professor Emeritus
PhD Botany (University of Hawaii, USA)
*Outstanding Scientific Paper Award - given annually to papers published in Philippine scientific or technical journals within five years preceding the award.
Dr. Leni L. Quirit and Dr. Elma C. Llaguno
(“Structure, Composition and Water Vapor Adsorption Behavior of Silica Gels from Rice Hull”, ISSN 0031- 7454, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist 83(3): 322-334, 2004)
Dr. Leni L. Quirit
Associate Professor, Analytical Chemistry (Analytical-Physical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry)
PhD (Ateneo de Manila University)
Dr. Elma C. Llaguno
Professor, Physical Chemistry (X-ray Crystallography, Environmental Chemistry)
PhD (University of Illinois, USA)
*National Scientist Award - the highest honor that could be given by the President of the Republic of the Philippines to a man or woman of science for exemplary and significant contributions to science and technology.
Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz
Professor
PhD/MS Biochemistry (University of Iowa, USA)
The developments in science and technology in the country have been truly remarkable. This progress continues as outstanding universities such as the University of the Philippines produce Filipino geniuses and government organizations like NAST promote and recognize advancements in science and technology.
May the vision of NAST of “a progressive Philippines anchored on Science” be achieved and may the young generation be encouraged to participate in the fulfillment of this vision.
