Fourteen Filipino scientists have been honored to be listed among the most outstanding scientists and researchers in the 2023 edition of the Asian Scientist 100 of the Asian Scientist Magazine.
According to a Singapore-based institution, “the Asian Scientist 100 list celebrates the success of the regionโs best and brightest, highlighting their achievements across a range of scientific disciplines.โ
โTo be acknowledged on the Asian Scientist 100 list, the honoree must have received a national or international prize in the preceding year for his or her research. Alternatively, he or she must have made a significant scientific discovery or provided leadership in academia or industry,โ the magazine said.
Glenn Banaguas, a multi-awarded science diplomat and one of this yearโs honorees said in his social media accounts, โWe will continue to bring science closer to the hearts of our people and use science to transform their lives.โ
Here are the fourteen Filipino scientists on the 2023 Asian Scientist 100 list:
Glenn S. Banaguas
Field: Sustainability
Award Classification: International
Banaguas received the United Nations (UN) Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction Award in 2022 for his work with Climate Smart Philippines, a centralized, multi-stakeholder platform that supplies data for an evidence-based approach to address climate change and reduces disaster risk.
Roel R. Suralta
Field: Agricultural Sciences
Award Classification: National
Suralta was one of the recipients of the Achievement Award at the 2021 National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) awards for his significant contributions to understanding root science leading to robust high-value crops in the face of climate change.
Beverly Lorraine Ho
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Award Classification: National
Ho was named one of the 2022 Outstanding Women in Nationโs Service awardees for her work in public health. Her research has contributed to policies like the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, universal health care, and the implementation of health technology assessment processes.
Pia Bagamasbad
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Award Classification: National
Bagamasbad has been recognized as one of the 2022 Outstanding Women in the Nationโs Service awardees for spearheading an RT-PCR training program for the detection of SARS- CoV-2, to support the Department of Healthโs COVID-19 response.
David P. Penaloza, Jr.
Field: Chemistry
Award Classification: National
Penaloza, Jr. was named the Achievement Awardee for the NRCP Division of Chemical Sciences for his notable contributions in polymer chemistry research.
Joseph Auresenia
Field: Chemistry
Award Classification: National
Auresenia was awarded the Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (KSBB) Research Exchange Award for his contributions and supporting role to further the collaboration among Asian researchers in the field of biotechnology research.
Erika Fille Legara
Field: Engineering
Award Classification: National
Legara was named one of the 2022 Outstanding Women in the Nationโs Service awardees in recognition of her work advancing the field of data science in the Philippines.
Keisha Alena Mayuga
Field: Engineering
Award Classification: National
Mayuga was named one of the 2022 Outstanding Women in the Nationโs Service awardees for her work on transport planning and improving mobility in Manila.
Rinlee Butch M. Cervera
Field: Engineering
Award Classification: National
Cervera received the David M. Consunji Award for Engineering Research from the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology for advancing research on energy storage and conversion devices, waste-to-energy applications, and green materials.
Aletta Yรฑiguez
Field: Environmental Sciences & Geology
Award Classification: National
Yรฑiguez was named one of the 2022 Outstanding Women in Nationโs Service awardees for her contributions to marine science research. Yรฑiguez works with local communities to advocate sustainable fishing practices.
Allan Gil S. Fernando
Field: Environmental Sciences & Geology
Award Classification: National
Fernando was awarded the 2022 National Research Council of the Philippinesโ Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to earth and space sciences.
Anna Oposa Del Rosario
Field: Environmental Sciences & Geology
Award Classification: National
Del Rosario is a recipient of the 2022 TOWNS Award for her work in marine ecology conservation. Through SPS, she has organized the Save Sharks Network Philippines to lobby for a roadmap for shark and ray protection in the Philippines.
Mario Juan A. Aurelio
Field: Environmental Sciences & Geology
Award Classification: National
Aurelio was conferred the Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Basic Research by the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST) for his contributions to structural geology and geodynamics education.
Edwin Atabay
Field: Life Sciences
Award Classification: National
Atabay has conferred the National Research Council of the Phillippines (NRCP) Achievement Award in the field of veterinary medicine. He oversaw the implementation of Intensified Reproductive Management Program,