BICUTAN, TAGUIG – Her outstanding and significant contributions and research projects in environmental conservation and protection led to Dr. Emilyn Q. Espiritu of Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) winning this year’s NAST Environmental Science Award (NESA) given by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Among a number of other outstanding finalists, Dr. Espiritu was chosen with her winning entry entitled “Assessment of quantity and quality of microplastics in the sediments, waters, oysters, and selected fish species in key site along the Bombong Estuary and coastal waters of Ticalan in San Juan, Batangas”.
Dr. Espiritu, a pioneer in the field of Ecotoxicology in the country, is a known expert in water quality and water pollution, and for her studies on different environment pollutants, particularly microplastics. Her works have raise awareness and insights on environment pollutants and its effect to the environment.
Also to be awarded are the NESA special citation awardees, Dr. Ian Navarrete and Dr. Anthony S.F. Chiu. Dr. Navarrete is recognized for his research entry entitled “The role of reactive iron in long-term carbon sequestration in mangrove sediments: Implications on blue carbon estimates in Philippine mangroves”, while Dr. Chiu is recognized for his entry entitled “Resource efficiency of the Philippine economy: A material flow accounting perspective (1955-2016)”. They will both receive a plaque and Php 10,000 cash incentive.
The awarding ceremony will be held on July 2019 during the NAST Annual Scientific Meeting together with other NAST Awards. (Dhan Michael L. dela Peña/NAST PHL)