Five new NAST members and one Corresponding Member were elected and formally included in the elite roster of Academicians during the awarding ceremony on July 12, 2018 by the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL). The investiture was led by Science Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña and Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza, NAST President. GLENN B. GREGORIO, Ph.D. (Genetics), MUDJEKEEWIS D. SANTOS, Ph.D. (Applied Marine Biosciences), VICTOR B. AMOROSO, Ph.D. (Botany), ARNEL A. SALVADOR, Ph.D. (Physics) and MAHAR K. MANGAHAS, Ph.D. (Economics) were elected as Academicians while RIGOBERTO C. ADVINCULA, Ph.D. (Chemistry) was admitted as Corresponding Member.
NAST PHL also presented the following awards: Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS), NAST Environmental Science Award, NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists, Outstanding Books, Outstanding Scientific Papers, and Best Scientific Posters.
The recipients of Outstanding Young Scientists this year were: ANGEL B. ENCARNACION, Ph.D. (Marine Science) of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region II; DIXON T. GEVAÑA, Ph.D. (Forest Environmental Science) of University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños; NONILLON M. ASPE, Ph.D. (Natural History Sciences) of Western Philippines University- Puerto Princesa Campus; RINLEE BUTCH M. CERVERA, Ph.D. (Mechanical Electrical and Materials Engineering) of UP Diliman; JEY-R S. VENTURA, Ph.D. (Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology) of UP Los Baños; and MARIO A. TAN, Ph.D. (Pharmaceutical Sciences) of University of Sto. Tomas.
The recipient of the 2018 NAST Environmental Science Award was WILFREDO ROEHL Y. LICUANAN, Ph.D. (Biology) of De La Salle University (DLSU).
The first prize of NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists was CHITHO P. FELICIANO, Dr. of Engineering (Materials Science) of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology. LORI SHAYNE A. BUSA, Ph.D. (Chemical Sciences and Engineering) of Nueva Vizcaya State University was awarded as the third prize winner.
The NAST Outstanding Book Award for 2018 were given to the following:
(1) “Systemic Pesticides: A Worldwide Assessment” by Jean-Marc Bonmatin, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, and Jose Isagani Janairo mISBN 978-971-555-648-4 Published by De La Salle University Publishing House, 2017
(2) “Bamboo: The Grass of Hope” by Aida C. Baja-Lapis, Armando M. Palijon, Florentino O. Tesoro, and Felizardo D. Virtucio ISBN 978-621-953-2600 Published by Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Inc., 2016
(3) “Fisheries Resources and Ecological Assessment of Manila Bay 2012-2015” by Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Elsa F. Furio, Grace DV. Lopez, Francisco SB. Torres Jr., Valeriano M. Borja, Eunice DC Bognot, Norvida C. Gatdula, Marco A. Perez and Fe L. Gonzales ISSN 0048-377X Published by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture, 2017
A certificate of recognition was also given to “Manual on Community-based Mangrove Rehabilitation Mangrove Manual Series No. 1” by Jurgenne H. Primavera, Josephine P. Savaris, Basilio E. Bayojo, Jofel D. Conching, David J. Curnick, Rodney L. Golbeque, Armi May T. Guzman, Junriz Q. Henderin, Rosalie V. Joven, Rona Joy A. Loma and Heather J. Koldewey Published by the Zoological Society of London, 2012. ISBN 978-971-95370-1-4 for providing science-based and community-based protocols for mangrove conservation and rehabilitation, as enumerated in 20 Golden Rules of Mangrove Rehabilitation. This manual has served as guide for mangrove conservation to environmental NGOs, local government units, academe and business sector.
The 2018 Outstanding Scientific Paper Awards were given to the following:
(1) “Larvae identification and development of the only freshwater Sardinella, Sardinella tawilis endemic to Taal Lake Philippines” by Maria Theresa M. Mutia, Katreena P. Sarmiento, Myla C. Muyot, Michael John R. Mendiola, Benjie D. Tordecilla and Mudjekeewis D. Santos Philippine Journal of Science 146(3):257-265, 2017
(2) “Mutations in the alpha-D-galactosidase gene suggest molecular basis of the mutant "makapuno" coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) phenomenon” by Reggie Y. dela Cruz and Von Jason D. Bugayong The Philippine Agricultural Scientist 99(4):321-325, 2016
(3) “An egg yolk immunoglobulin (RVP6-IgY) specific for a constructed rotavirus VP6 antigen (rVP6) inhibited rotavirus replication in vitro” by Marilen P. Balolong, Ju Kyoung Oh, Jung Woo Kim, Yong Tae Jung, Nina G. Gloriani and Dae-Kyung Kang Philippine Journal of Science 145(1):71-77, 2016
(4) “Geohazards, tropical cyclones and disaster risk management in the Philippines: Adaptation in a changing climate regime” by Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, Carla B. Dimalanta, Graciano P. Yumul Jr., Nathaniel T. Servando, and Nathaniel A. Cruz Journal of Environmental Science and Management 16(1):84-97, 2013
(5) “Mathematical and anthropological analysis of Northern Luzon funeral textile” by Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas and Analyn V. Salvador-Amores Philippine Journal of Science 145(1): 89-103, 2016
(6) “Making social health insurance and micro-savings programs work for the informal sector in the Philippines” by Mitzie Irene P. Conchada and Marites M. Tiongco DLSU Business and Economics Review 27(1):107-123, 2017
(7) “Market competition in the downstream oil industry: Is there evidence of price asymmetry?” by Ma. Joy Abrenica, Rolando Danao and Ma. Nimfa Mendoza The Philippine Review of Economics LI (2):1-20, 2014
The Best Scientific Poster Awards were given to six divisions:
Agricultural Sciences:
(1) “Development of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Method for Simultaneous Detection of Abaca Bunchy Top Virus (ABTV) and Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) Genome Fragments” by Leny Galvez, Cris Francis Barbosa, Rhosener Bhea Koh, and Vermando Aquino.
(2) “Regeneration and Development of Enzymatically-Isolated Protoplasts of Kappaphycus spp. (Solieriaceae, Rhodophyta)” by Ronelie C. Chato-Salvador
Biological Sciences:
(1) “Microbial Inoculated Plants to Bring Back Green Cover and Live Soil Environment in Barren Mine Tailings?” by Nelly S. Aggangan, Julieta A. Anarna, and Angelbert D. Cortes
(2) “Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Exchange among Begonia Section Baryandra Species (Begoniaceae) from Palawan Island, Philippines and Description of Five New Species” by Rosario Rivera Rubite, Ching-I Peng, Kuo-Fang Chung, Che-Wei Lin, Mark Hughes, and Patrick Blanc
(1) “Microbial Inoculated Plants to Bring Back Green Cover and Live Soil Environment in Barren Mine Tailings?” by Nelly S. Aggangan, Julieta A. Anarna, and Angelbert D. Cortes
(2) “Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Exchange among Begonia Section Baryandra Species (Begoniaceae) from Palawan Island, Philippines and Description of Five New Species” by Rosario Rivera Rubite, Ching-I Peng, Kuo-Fang Chung, Che-Wei Lin, Mark Hughes, and Patrick Blanc
Engineering Sciences and Technology:
(1) “Carbon-based Supercapacitors Utilizing Electrospun Nanofibers of Imidazole-based Ionic Liquid Polymer Blends” by Jonathan N. Patricio, Eduardo C. Atayde Jr., Menandro C. Marquez, and Susan D. Arco
(3) “Solid State Synthesis of Bulk Lithium Lanthanum Titanate Lithium Ion Conducting Solid Electrolyte” by Andrew C. Doño and Rinlee Butch M. Cervera
(1) “Carbon-based Supercapacitors Utilizing Electrospun Nanofibers of Imidazole-based Ionic Liquid Polymer Blends” by Jonathan N. Patricio, Eduardo C. Atayde Jr., Menandro C. Marquez, and Susan D. Arco
(3) “Solid State Synthesis of Bulk Lithium Lanthanum Titanate Lithium Ion Conducting Solid Electrolyte” by Andrew C. Doño and Rinlee Butch M. Cervera
Health Sciences:
(1) “Blockade of Group V Phospholipase A2 Causes Reduction of TGF β1-Induced Fibrosis Among Diabetic Rats” by Jerica Isabel L. Reyes and Nilda M. Muñoz
(2) “Effects of 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine on Alcohol-Induced Injury in Liver Cells and on the Early Life Stages of Zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton 1822)” by Richard Marvin R. Espallardo, Ma. Khrizelle Joyce D.S. Trimos, Arnold V. Hallare, and Margaret Lc. De Guzman
(1) “Blockade of Group V Phospholipase A2 Causes Reduction of TGF β1-Induced Fibrosis Among Diabetic Rats” by Jerica Isabel L. Reyes and Nilda M. Muñoz
(2) “Effects of 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine on Alcohol-Induced Injury in Liver Cells and on the Early Life Stages of Zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton 1822)” by Richard Marvin R. Espallardo, Ma. Khrizelle Joyce D.S. Trimos, Arnold V. Hallare, and Margaret Lc. De Guzman
Mathematical and Physical Sciences:
(1) “Assessment of the Catalytic Activity of Iron Pincer Complexes in the Reductive Cleavage of C-O Bond in Lignin Model Compound” by Alwin J. Alamag, Elaine M. Bernardo, and Mae Joanne B. Aguila
(1) “Assessment of the Catalytic Activity of Iron Pincer Complexes in the Reductive Cleavage of C-O Bond in Lignin Model Compound” by Alwin J. Alamag, Elaine M. Bernardo, and Mae Joanne B. Aguila
(2) “Introduction of the Hypocholesterolemic Peptide, Lpypr, to the Major Storage Protein of Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Through Site-Directed Mutagenesis” by Shrawan Kumar Upadhyay, Vita A. Anarna, Mark Rickard N. Angelia, and Mary Ann O. Torio
Social Sciences:
(1) “Is It Enough? A Fiscal Analysis of the Effects of Taxes and Transfers on the 4Ps Beneficiaries in the Philippines” by Nikita San Magbitang, Ralph Kenric Go, and Alexander Nixon Wu
(2) “Resiliency of Zanjeras: Its Impact on Rice-Based Production in Ilocos Norte” by Criselda M. Balisacan and Constante B. Julian
(1) “Is It Enough? A Fiscal Analysis of the Effects of Taxes and Transfers on the 4Ps Beneficiaries in the Philippines” by Nikita San Magbitang, Ralph Kenric Go, and Alexander Nixon Wu
(2) “Resiliency of Zanjeras: Its Impact on Rice-Based Production in Ilocos Norte” by Criselda M. Balisacan and Constante B. Julian
The 2017 Geminiano T. De Ocampo Visionary Award for Medical Research, which was given to LOURDES L. IGNACIO, M.D. and 2017 Magsaysay Future Engineers/ Technologists (MFET) Awards were also presented to the scientific community. The MFET first prize awardee was JANNE PAULINE S. NGO of DLSU. The second and third prize winners were NEIL KARLO Z. OLEGARIO of UP Los Baños and JOSHUA IAN C. BAUTISTA of Mapua Institute of Technology, respectively. Special citation was given to KYLE DARRYL T. AGUILAR of DLSU.
NAST PHL was established in 1976 through Presidential Decree 1003-A to provide meaningful incentives to those engaged in scientific and technological research, as well as give due recognition to outstanding achievements in science and technology.