University of the Philippines alumni and researchers were recognized for their exceptional achievements in the field of science and technology in this year’s National Science, Technology and Innovation Week.
Dr. Joseph Basconcillo, a senior weather specialist at the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, received the Eduardo A. Quisimbing Medal, conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research. Basconcillo was awarded for his study titled, “Influence of Multiyear Variability on the Observed Regime Shifts in the Philippine Climatology.” He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Geography and Master of Science in Meteorology from UP Diliman.
Meanwhile Dr. Andrew Montecillo of UP Los Baños was given the Julian A. Banzon Medal, conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research, for his study, “LAMPPOST: Livestock and Avian Molecular Pathogenomics for Precision Outbreak Surveillance and Tracking.” Montecillo finished his Bachelor of Science in Biology; Master of Science in Microbiology, minor in Computer Science; and Ph.D. by Research in Microbiology, minor in Information Technology in UP Los Baños, where he is also assistant professor.
UPLB research teams were also recognized with the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal, conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Technology Commercialization Award.
“A Papaya Revolution: The ‘Sinta’ Variety’s Commercial Triumph,” was led by Dr. Violeta Villegas, with contributions from researchers Pablito Magdalita, Reynold Pimentel, Enrique Barile, and Fernando Aurigue. Villegas is former director of the Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science, UPLB. Villegas earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Horticulture) and Master of Science in Horticulture (Plant Breeding and Genetics) from UPLB.
Meanwhile, the study, “The Bio-N Technology,” was led by the late Dr. Mercedes Umali-Garcia, along with researchers Julieta Anarna, Domingo Holongbayan, Cesinande Dela Rosa, Edison Abrigo, Fernando Cagayat, Jomar Hon, Ricky Altamira, Marwin Sinajon, Noel Garcia, Allan Barachina, and Leo Manipol. Umali-Garcia obtained her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science in Forestry from UPLB, where she continued to serve as professor emeritus after retirement.
Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-De La Paz also received the Discoro L. Umali Medal, conferred as the 2025 Outstanding Science Administrator Award, for her outstanding leadership as executive director of the UP Manila National Institutes of Health. Cutiongco-De La Paz earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UP Diliman and finished Doctor of Medicine in UP Manila.
Padayon, and continue serving the people!
