Alumni Milestones

by Lyn Resurreccion

Parangal at pasasalamat [recognition and thanksgiving]” with “Science for the People [SFTP] Awards” was the highlight of the 64th anniversary celebration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as it acknowledged its partners in delivering science, technology and innovation (STI) to the people.

At the same time, the event served as the appreciation night of Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña for DOST’s partners during his helm as he winds up his term at the department that ends on June 30.

The DOST gave SFTP Awards to its outstanding partners from different sectors to express its gratitude in advancing STI.

The Business Mirror was among the recipients of two SFTP Awards for the Media. The Institution category was received by its Editor in Chief Lourdes M. Fernandez, while the Individual category was given to Science Editor Lyn B. Resurreccion.

The Vaccine Expert Panel, that was led by Dr. Nina Gloriani, was among the top SFTP awardees for its invaluable contribution in the review of vaccines for Covid-19 and development of criteria for the procurement of vaccines for emergency use in the country.

Also awarded were the DOST outstanding partners from the higher education institutions, industry, local government units, science and technology foundations, national government agencies, bilateral diplomatic partners, policy-makers, nongovernment organizations.

SFTP Awards were likewise bestowed to the S&T sector in research and development projects, technology commercialization, start-ups, enterprise productivity, community development, DOST governance innovations.

Gender and Development Awards were also given.

At the same time, former DOST assistant secretary Dr. Lydia Tansinsin, launched her book on the history of the DOST titled, “An Institutional Journey: From the NSDB to the DOST, 1958-1998.”

Best in performance; practice meritocracy

In his keynote address, National Scientist Dr. Emil Q. Javier said, being a former secretary of DOST, he takes pride in the department’s having been consistently rated “among the best in terms of quantity, quality and timeliness in its performance.”

At the same time, he said DOST has always have the impression of “meritocracy bereft of corruption” among all agencies in government.

Javier highlighted three remarkable achievements of the DOST under the helm of de la Peña.

One is the mitigation of the loss of lives and properties from the calamities due to the projects on early warning provided by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and Project Noah, through the installation of doppler radar, radar equipment and stations, and earthquake warning systems.

He also acknowledged the full regionalization of the R&D and STI activities of DOST, especially through the Science for Change Program.

He said historically the DOST’s S&T efforts were confined in Metro Manila. But the last three administrations of DOST, including that of de la Peña, went all out to make S&T “felt all over the country.”

He noted the Niche Centers in the Regions Program (Nicer) has 49 universities in 17 regions which implement R&D.

He added that the success of DOST in commercialization of R&D in the countryside is being carried out by Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (Cradle) has 39 universities in the regions that collaborate with 87 companies.

“Nicer and Cradle epitomize the [performance of the] administration of de la Pena,” he said.

Javier also pointed out the jump of the country’s Global Innovation Index from 83 in 2015 to 51 in 2021 out of 132 countries.

“It was a great achievement which we can attribute to the fine work of DOST and its agencies in partnership with other sectors,” he said.

Javier noted that with its achievements, he sees that the performance of DOST under de la Peña “will be treated kindly by history.”

“Your [DOST’s and partners’] competence, dedication, hard work and passion make what DOST is today,” he said.

‘Blessed for having worked with DOST, partners’

Delivering his thanksgiving message, de la Peña said he was having “mixed emotions” during the event as he was “happy and excited” seeing familiar faces—his former friends and colleagues at DOST and the partners from the different sectors of society, who have become the DOST’s allies in pursuing its mission.

He said he “was blessed for having worked with all of you,” and being with the DOST “for the most part of my life in government service,” which also made him “feel sad” because this would be his last year of celebrating the agency’s anniversary as its head.

Addressing the awardees, de la Peña said: “Tonight, we acknowledge your great contributions to DOST and to the country as a whole.”

“The plaques and the awards we have given represents not just mere recognition of your invaluable contributions, but along with it is my heartfelt gratitude for many wonderful memories of working with you,” he pointed out.

With the “many milestones” that the DOST had, the challenges and the countless success stories, he said he can “proudly say” that all their “painstaking efforts and sacrifices have paid off.”

“I have nothing but fond memories of all the people I’ve worked with,” he said.

Valuable resources: The people

De la Peña acknowledged that the DOST cannot handle the enormous tasks without the help of its most valuable resources—the people.

“We relied most on the people’s dedication and commitment in doing their work in pursuit of excellence in public service,” he pointed out.

He said the DOST believes that “STI is not just about theories and scholarly publications, nor should it be confined within the walls of laboratories.”

“Rather, we aimed to bring the results of our research and development into practical use to solve problems and in turn, help our people improve their quality of life,” he added.

True to its tagline of “Science for the People,” he said the DOST expanded its reach to benefit more Filipinos across the country, particularly those at the grassroots.

The DOST “made a difference” by using science to empower communities, including those in the far-flung areas by providing them the infrastructure, knowledge and technological interventions to improve their quality of living.

The Science chief pointed out that the department provided the communities with livelihood and technology-based solutions to address rural poverty and difficulties due to geographical isolation. Among them is the Talaandig Indigenous people in Lantapan, Bukidnon.

Veering away from his prepared speech, he said he wanted going around the country to visit the DOST projects because he is happy to hear the feedbacks from stakeholders themselves.

He shared the story of a university researcher, who opted to be an entrepreneur and became a DOST beneficiary.

“She said even if only one government agency is left, if that is the DOST, she would be happy with it,” the Science chief said.

He added that the DOST devoted its efforts to develop the people’s capability to prepare for the future through scholarships for deserving students to help uplift their social and economic conditions.

The DOST was also able to deliver its services to its stakeholders in partnership with local government units, nongovernment organizations, community development groups, academic institutions and national government agencies.

Early pandemic action; international partners

At the height of the pandemic, the DOST was among the first government agencies which worked hard to find solutions against Covid-19.

It actively tried to find ways to gain access to vaccines, treatments and medical supplies through its international partners and foreign counterparts via bilateral and multilateral platforms.

He made special mention of the Vaccine Experts Panel, whose members extended their assistance by sharing their expertise in the vaccine evaluation and selection.

At the same time, the DOST is looking forward to its international partners for their technical expertise, including the country’s “Balik-Scientists” as the country is establishing its Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines.

Through its strong international linkages, the DOST was able to pursue several joint R&D undertakings that helped it “augment the needed expertise not available in the country and improve mobility among our scientists,” de la Peña noted.
Science for Change Program

Under the Science for Change Program, the DOST supported MSMEs, inventors, S&T-based companies, and start-ups through the provision of STI services from technology transfer, financial assistance via capital and equipment, technical assistance through training, and other relevant S&T interventions.

“By helping them, they were able to improve the quality of their products and services, enhance their productivity and learn good manufacturing practices to prepare them to be globally competitive and thereby contribute to the country’s economic growth,” he pointed out.

De la Peña likewise recognized the strong support from policy-makers from Congress who advanced STI by translating the DOST’s programs into laws.

He also gave “importance” to the media by “bringing STI to the people, building science culture among the youth and in delivering timely and accurate information” during national emergencies.

De la Peña did not fail to laud “the much needed support” given by the DOST workers’ respective families, “our loved ones who did their best to understand the way we tried to balance our time and attention in doing what we think is best.”
‘Very devoted, hard working DOST co-workers’

Again veering away from his written speech, he shared that when he asked his family if he will accept President Duterte’s asking him to be DOST chief, his wife replied in the negative, but his children agreed if he could still carry out its functions.

“I thought that if I won’t accept it, I might regret it later,” he said. “But six years have gone by very quickly.”

He lauded his co-workers at the DOST who “are very devoted to work and are hard working.”

“I won’t forget my team at the DOST,” he expressed.
Successes and legacy: Science for the People, by the People

With the DOST’s programs and initiatives on one hand, and all our partners working together, “we believe that our current success will positively impact the country,” he said.

“We will forever be grateful to all of you [partners] for your support and willingness to take part and join us in our efforts in bringing science in the service of our people,” de la Peña pointed out.

He added: “We are starting to see the fruits of our labor in the numerous successful stories of people who availed themselves of our programs and services, innovators that succeeded in their endeavors and made a name for themselves, the people who excel in their fields and gave pride to our country as DOST scholars.”

“All these together with you [DOST partners], I consider DOST’s successes and the legacy that I will pass on to my successor,” he added.

“My heart is full, seeing everyone celebrating this occasion. All of you [DOST co-workers and partners] are instrumental in realizing DOST’s objectives. With your help and utmost support, we are confident that we will attain bigger things for the country in the S&T field,” he said in his written speech.

“I say that indeed, it is Science for the People, by the People,” de la Peña pointed out.

Integrity and passion

DOST Assistant Secretary Leah Buendia, who headed the organizing committee for the event, said the DOST’s service and good relationship with stakeholders and partners is a reflection of their professionalism and expertise.

“We do and implement our programs with integrity and passion to serve the Filipinos. I commend everyone here for their contributions toward sustained commitment in the STI enculturation in both local and international platforms,” Buendia said.
Outstanding SFTP awardees

Academe:

1. Central Luzon State University: Through its collaborations with the DOST-PCAARRD, CLSU was able to cater to 6,828 clients, 44 of whom are start-up incubatees, who have already generated P24.3-million income and 141 jobs from October 2017- April 2022.

2. University of the Philippines: UP’s Philippine Genomics Center’s expansion was funded by the DOST in 2018 for the expansion to Mindanao and Visayas and the upgrading of the center’s R&D capacity through the establishment of the Protein, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility.

3. De La Salle University: Its partnership with DOST has contributed to DLSU’s standing as the sole private higher education institution in the country to be listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and also led to the unprecedented 600-percent growth in its research output in the previous decade

Industry:

1. Ephrathah Farms Inc.: As an agri-tourism business in Iloilo, it is engaged in the production of high value fruits and vegetables, and operates as a tourist facility showcasing the different agricultural concerns.

2. Orthopaedic International Inc.: Since its inception, OII has grown into an ISO 13485-certified facility that designs, develops and manufactures orthopaedic products like the Axis Knee Replacement System.

3. Herbanext Laboratories Inc.: With funding support from the DOST’s Business Innovation through Science and Technology Program, the ARIL of Herbanext was founded in 2020, and became the first ever dedicated facility in the country for scaling up the production of standardized herbal extracts and its development into herbal drugs,
Local Government Units:

1. Cauayan City, Isabela: The city has been recognized as the First Smarter City in the Philippines (2015) and later took the lead in localizing the United Nations’ 17-Point Sustainable Development Goals. It was also recognized as the first city in the Philippines to be ISO Certified on ISO 37122 Certification for Sustainable Cities and Communities.

2. Davao de Oro provincial government: With their framework anchored to the Bayanihan 4Ps+, the DOST and Davao de Oro continue to promote and apply Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation at the grassroots level.

3. Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: Its adoption of DOST-10’s technologies and interventions empowered the LGU to strengthen its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management response, waste management, livelihood creation, and production of high value products.

S&T Foundation:

1. Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology: For 38 years, the PFST continues to promote S&T to the public through its various educational programs. Its flagship program, the Philippine Science Centrum, Traveling exhibits, Teacher’s Training, interactive exhibit development and fabrication and science events have served over 20 million people nationwide.

2. Foundation for the Advancement of Clinical Epidemiology Inc.: FACE serves as the primary support arm of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology of the College of Medicine and the Institute of Clinical Epidemiology of the National Institutes of Health, both based at UP Manila.

3. DLSU Science Foundation Inc.: It assisted DLSU and other De La Salle Philippines’ member district schools through scholarships, professorial chairs, and pure and applied research, and have helped increase DLSU’s annual research publication to about 600 to 700 Scopus listed papers annually.

Media Partners (Institution)

1. BusinessMirror: BusinessMirror has been a partner of the DOST in providing the Filipino people the relevant STI news and information. True to this commitment, the newspaper has its Science Sunday section that is dedicated to stories about breakthroughs in the local science community. It won the Institutional Media Award for Print at the 2018 Bantog Awards.

2. Eagle Broadcasting Network: EBC has been a partner of the DOST in delivering STI news and information to the Filipino people. EBC is the home of NET25 and DZEC Radyo Agila. In 2018, DZEC Radyo Agila won the Institutional Media Award for Radio at the 2018 Bantog Awards.

3. Cable News Network Philippines: CNN Philippines has been among the leading media partners of DOST in disseminating up-to-date science information and news broadcasts. It is the home of Siyensikat, a 30-minute show by the DOST that connects Filipinos to science experts who provide science-based solutions and innovations to uplift their lives.

Media Partners (Individual):

1. Angelina (Lyn) B. Resurreccion: A multi-awarded science journalist since 1995 and as Science Editor of BusinessMirror, she has special interest in the DOST programs and projects on MSMEs, such as SETUP, FilipInnovation and Science for Change Program in order to inform the public about the benefits of STI, and on how the DOST has been providing the technologies and possible cures against Covid-19.

2. Hermelina C. Tenorio: An unrelenting S&T journalist since 1992, she has won several awards, including the Gawad Jose L. Guerrero DOST Media Awards, DOST Hall of Fame Awards and the Ulat Sipag Award.

3. Ma. Cristina C. Arayata: Covering the DOST since 2015 for the Philippine News Agency, she remains a reliable S&T media partner who constantly writes articles and pursues exclusive S&T stories that are of interest to the public, especially during the pandemic.

National Government Agencies:

1. Department of Agriculture, Region 6: To achieve its vision of a food-secured and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous farmers and fishers, it collaborates with agencies like the DOST to implement S&T programs and projects.

2. Department of Trade and Industry, Region 8: Some of its collaborations with the DOST are the Technology Business Incubator on Shared Service Facility for Food Processing and activities of the Villaconsuelo Tree Planters Association in Biliran.

3. Office of Civil Defense, Calabarzon: The OCD IV-A is an active partner in promoting and disseminating DOST’s programs, such as on the monitoring of critical government-owned buildings along the Valley Fault System; implementing the Safe, Swift, And Smart Passage Travel Management System; infrastructure audit; and information dissemination and promotion of interventions brought by natural hazards.

Bilateral Partner:

1. United Kingdom: Many achievements were made under the DOST partnership with UK, such as the Synthetic Aperture Radar and Automatic Identification System; the various initiatives under the Newton Agham Program; the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships; the 12 joint health research initiatives; four joint hydrometeorological hazards research; Weather and Climate Science Service Partnership; four Researcher/Institutional Links; and side events in co-hosting COP26.

2. Taiwan: The DOST-Taiwan partnership continuously promotes mutually beneficial collaborative activities in STI under the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed last March 13, 1997.

3. Japan: It has been a consistent bilateral partner of the DOST resulting in meaningful and fruitful collaborations with various Japanese scientific and academic institutions, notably the Japan Space Agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and many others.

Legislator for S&T:

1. Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino: The former senator, who was the chairman of the Senate Committee on S&T, strongly defended the increase of DOST budget and pushed for the passage of all DOST STI priority bills. This resulted in the enactment of the Republic Act (RA) 11035, Balik Scientist Act; RA 11312, or Strengthening the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other S&T Personnel; RA 11337, or Innovative Startup Act; RA 11363, or the Philippine Space Act.

2. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado: As chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Science and Technology in the 17th and 18th Congress, he filed and pushed for the passage of almost all the DOST STI priority bills, including the Balik Scientist Act and the Philippine Space Act.

Nongovernment Organization:

1. Philippine Metrology Standards, Testing and Quality Inc.: It is association advocating for the establishment of a strong national quality infrastructure in the country to support the production of globally competitive products and services.

2. Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc.: It is committed to promote and safeguard the business interest of its members and help raise the level of competitiveness through linkages and capacity building initiatives.

3. Davao City Hydrology for Environment, Life and Policy Philippines Network Inc.: As a multi-sectoral network, the role of Davao City HELP is to provide guidance through technical voices and science-based knowledge in water use and management.

R&D Projects:

1. Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources: Synergize Academe-Industry Research Undertaking to Improve Production through Banana Surveillance System—It provides a mobile application that allows early detection of diseases. This project develops a system that minimizes cost disease control.

2. Health: Feasibility Analysis of Syndrome Surveillance Using Spatio-temporal Epidemiological Modeler for LGU Epidemiology Surveillance Unit—FASSSTER is a cloud-based disease surveillance and scenario-based disease modeling tool that was developed and operationalized for use by the national and local government agencies during the Covid-19 pandemic.

3. Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology: Geospatial Information Management and Analysis Project for Hazards and Risk Assessment in the Philippines (GeoRiskPH)—Through a Cabinet Directive issued in July 2019, the GeoRiskPH Integrated System and the HazardHunterPH were approved to be the national platform for hazards and risk assessment.

4. Basic Research: Marine-sediment Derived Actinobacteria: New Vista for Natural Products Discovery in the Philippines

Technology Commercialization:

1. Juan Algal Paste: Algacon Aquafeeds Manufacturing—AAM is recognized as the first R&D Spin-Off company in Region 6. It was one of the pioneer incubatees of the DOST-PCAARRD-UP Visayas Fisheries Technology Business Incubation Project.

2. Field Implementation of a Locally Developed Diagnostic Kit for the Detection of Covid-19: Manila Health Tek Inc.—Dr. Raul Destura and his Manila HealthTek team that was supported by the DOST, developed the first Philippines-developed GenAmplify Covid-19 RT-PCR Detection Kit.

3. Technology and Market Validation of Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System: Usher—Supported by DOST-PCIEERD, the movement from Mapua University R&D project to commercialization became vital to the realization of Dr. Francis Aldrin Uy’s purpose for Usher.

Startup of the Year:

1. Blitzkrieg Animal Diagnostic Center: It is an incubatee of the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator of CLSU and a startup beneficiary of the PCAARRD Startup Grant Fund program.

2. Pivotal Peak Digital Health Solutions Inc.: It is one of the pioneer startups that was granted funding support under PCHRD’s Startup Research Grant Program. PPDHSI is the exclusive licensee of the UP-developed Community Health Information Tracking System, the longest running electronic medical record in the country.

3. Futuristic Aviation and Maritime Enterprise: It provides reliable, secure, easily deployable and affordable solutions to connect devices for real-time intelligent monitoring and management of resources in maritime, aviation, land transportation, enterprise applications.
Enterprise Productivity:

1. Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory Inc.: It introduced chocolate products with unique traditional Filipino flavors to the world.

2. C and H Cosmetics Industries: Producing all natural and innovation-based cosmetics and home-care products, it continuously paves the way toward becoming industry 4.0-ready and the one of the leading Filipino companies with international and local recognitions and accreditations.

3. Trophy Farm Supplies: The DOST’s S&T interventions to the poultry farm increased its capacity and productivity by at least 100 percent.

Community Development:

1. Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Legarda Inc. and Jesse V. Robredo Homeowners Association, 3Ws of Barangay 412, Zone 42, Manila: The group welcomed various S&T related interventions provided by DOST-NCR through the DOST’s CEST Program to improve the community’s livelihood and solid waste program, resulting in improved overall living conditions in the community.

2. Municipality of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte: With the introduction of available technologies useful for the communities from the DOST since 2014, Jabonga actively engages in the different technology and skills training and other related activities, empowering specific sectors, particularly the women/housewives and the youth.

3. Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon: The Indigenous Peoples from seven tribes of Bukidnon, with agriculture as their major source of livelihood, DOST 10, through PSTC Bukidnon, provided technologies to add more value to their local produce. They also actively engage with the provincial innovation stakeholders to build a more resilient and smarter community while preserving their rich culture and tribal practices.

DOST Governance Innovations:

1. DOST Region IV-B: Innovative Technologies as Solution to Water Security in Mimaropa—The STI interventions have benefitted 1,835 households or at least 9,000 individuals, especially from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas serving various sectors, including women and Indigenous people.

2. DOST Region VI: S-PASS (Safe, Swift and Smart Passage) Travel Management System—As of April 6, it has reached over 7,457,664 registered users nationwide with 121 or 93.4 percent of LGUs using the system in the issuance of permits of incoming travellers.

3. DOST Region X: Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee— This innovation-driven network of agencies and institutions composed of eight NGAs, 12 HEIs, seven LGUs, four R&D consortia and four private sector/industry representatives expedited the realization of various innovation initiatives.

Image credits: Bernard Testa, Lyn B. Resurreccion, Henry A. de Leon

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/06/19/dost64-confers-science-for-the-people-awards-to-partners/?fbclid=IwAR267YX1ZNDb2l0d5S-srfpkXS8e3senFE66nxm7cuywSWz8rs0s6HzG5yI

Madelyn P. Garcia, assistant professor at the Department of Humanities (DHum), was recognized as one of the inaugural recipients of the Marieli Rowe Innovation in Media Literacy Education Award by the International Council for Media Literacy.

She placed fourth with her work “MOW: Meriam’s Online World”, a five-episode TV series that discusses media-related issues based on Filipino youth’s experiences and practices on different online platforms. It is designed to be an after-school viewing program for students in Grades 6 to 9.

The Marieli Rowe Innovation in Media Literacy Education Award recognizes works that demonstrate innovative critical thinking and push the media literacy education field forward. It is given to exemplary individuals who answer the question “Where to next for media literacy?” (Kyle Ramiel Dalangin, with information from www.ic4ml.org)

Source: https://uplb.edu.ph/updates/dhum-faculty-member-recognized-by-international-council-for-media-literacy/

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 UPMASA National Awards! The Awards Ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m., July 6, 2022

https://www.upmasanational.org/agc-2022-registration-and-reservation/

Written by Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta

Malacañang named eight new National Artists for 2022 on June 10. Of these eight, five are the University of the Philippines (UP) community members— Professors Emeriti, former faculty members, former students, and alumni.

The new National Artists from UP are: poet-critic Gemino Abad, National Artist for Literature, for providing future generations with a “comprehensive view of the landscape of Philippine poetry and fiction”; soprano Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, National Artist for Music, for contributing to a “Renaissance of classical musical theater in the country”; choreographer Agnes Locsin, National Artist for Dance, for spurring a “growing interest in neo-ethnic style among young artists”; actor-director Antonio “Tony” O. Mabesa, National Artist for Theater, for his contributions to the “growth and diversity of Philippine theater”; and, screenwriter Ricardo Lee, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, whose filmography includes iconic films such as The Flor Contempacion Story and Sa Kuko ng Agila.

Gemino Abad, National Artist for Literature

Poet and literary critic Gémino Henson Abad hailed from Cebu, Philippines, but later moved to Manila. In 1963, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English, magna cum laude, from the UP College of Liberal Arts in Diliman, and his Masters of Arts and Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Chicago in 1966 and 1970, respectively. He taught English, comparative literature, and creative writing in UP Diliman for many years and served UP in various capacities, including as Secretary of the University, Secretary of the Board of Regents, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Director of the UP Institute of Creative Writing.

Abad co-founded the Philippine Literary Arts Council (PLAC), which published Caracoa, a poetry journal in English. His other works include Fugitive Emphasis (poems, 1973); In Another Light (poems and critical essays, 1976); A Formal Approach to Lyric Poetry (critical theory, 1978); The Space Between (poems and critical essays, 1985); Poems and Parables (1988); Index to Filipino Poetry in English, 1905-1950 (with Edna Zapanta Manlapaz, 1988); and, State of Play (letter-essays and parables, 1990). He edited landmark anthologies of Filipino poetry in English, among them: Man of Earth (1989), A Native Clearing (1993), and, A Habit of Shores: Filipino Poetry and Verse from English, the ’60s to the ’90s (1999).

He was elevated to the rank of University Professor by UP Diliman, the highest honor awarded by the University to an exemplary retiring faculty member. He was a visiting professor at three foreign universities. Abad earned numerous awards, prizes, and literature and creative writing fellowships. He received: the Palanca Awards for Poetry, Philippines Free Press Awards for Literature; the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Award for Poetry; National Book Awards from the Manila Critics’ Circle; and the Asian Catholic Publishers Inc. Catholic Authors Award. In 2009, he became the first Filipino to receive the coveted Premio Feronia in Rome, Italy, in the foreign author category.

Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, National Artist for Music

Fides Belza Cuyugan-Asensio, born on August 1, 1931, in Lucena, Philippines, is a Filipino coloratura soprano, actress, director, librettist, translator, and teacher. She earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees at the Philippine Women’s University, one in English, specializing in drama, in 1950, and the second in Music, major in voice and minor in piano, in 1951. Her graduation recital in 1951 earned her effusive praise from The Manila Times and, at that time, the foremost Filipino opera singer, Jovita Fuentes.

After graduation, Cuyugan-Asensio received a scholarship from the Curtis Institute of Music in Pennsylvania. She graduated in 1955 with an Artist’s Diploma, majoring in voice with special studies in stage movement and eurhythmics. She quickly became one of the leading performers and producers of opera in the country, making her operatic debut in 1955, singing as Adele in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. She has also performed in many world premieres of Filipino operas, such: as Ramon Santos’s Mapulang Bituin; Eliseo Pajaro’s Binhi ng Kalayaan; Lucrecia Kasilag’s Dularawan; and, as Sisa in Felipe de Leon’s Noli Me Tangere in 1957. She has also sung lead roles in Menotti’s The Telephone; Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor; Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail; Verdi’s La Traviata; Britten’s Turn of the Screw; and Debussy’s L’Enfant Prodigue. and more. She also directed productions of several Filipino and Western operas.

She hosted musical TV shows and appeared in four films: Oro Plata Mata (1982), Niño (2011), Aparisyon (2012), and Mana (2014). In 1986, Asensio formed the Music Theater Foundation of the Philippines (MTFP). In 1988, she became Chair of the Voice and Music Theater Department in the UP College of Music, a position she held until she retired in 1997, after which the UP Board of Regents granted her the title of Professor Emeritus. She also served as the artistic director of the Opera Guild of the Philippines and, since 1987, MTFP president.

Agnes Locsin, National Artist for Dance

Born in Davao City on September 28, 1957, Agnes Dakudao Locsin finished elementary and secondary school at the Philippine Women’s University and graduated from the Ateneo de Davao University with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She earned her Master’s degree in dance from the Ohio State University in the US.

Locsin is known for developing the “neo-ethnic” Filipino dance choreography, which blends indigenous themes with Western classical and modern techniques, and includes immersion in indigenous communities where she interacts with and learns about their culture and traditions through dance. Among the works where she applied this choreography are: Encantada; La Revolucion Filipina; Sayaw, Sabel; and the four-part Alay sa Puno series. After earning her MA degree, she became the Artistic Director of the Locsin Dance Workshop in Davao City, which her mother founded. She also served as a faculty member of UP Diliman’s Dance Program and as the artistic director of the Ballet Philippines in the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) from 1989 to 1999.

At the 2nd Tokyo International Choreography Competition (1994), Locsin was the winner of the Silver Medal and the recipient of the Prince Takamado Award from Japan’s Imperial Family.

Around the 2010s, Locsin began doing choreography for environmentally-themed works, such as Agila and the Puno series. She has received various awards, including the Gawad CCP Award Para sa Sining in 2013; the Alfonzo T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Arts for her book, Neo-ethnic Choreography: A Creative Process; and the Gador Award from the CCP. The Davao City government also gave her the Datu Bago Award for her contributions to dance and culture.

Tony Mabesa, National Artist for Theater

Stage director, film and television actor, and theater professor Antonio “Tony” Ocampo Mabesa was born on January 27, 1935, in Los Baños, Laguna. He finished high school at the UP Rural High School and earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from UP Los Baños (UPLB) in 1956. In UPLB, he also became an Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity member. He earned his MFA in Theater from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in 1965 and an MA in Education from the University of Delaware in 1969, with further studies in dramatic literature at the University of Minnesota.

After earning his graduate degrees, Mabesa was offered a teaching position in the Department of Speech Communications and Theater Arts at UP Diliman. He pushed for establishing a Baccalaureate program devoted to Theater Arts, which began in 1978, and a Master of Arts in Theater Arts Program at UP Diliman. He founded Dulaang UP (DUP) in 1976 and the UP Playwright’s Theater in 1980. He directed and produced over 170 shows. He mentored many prominent artists in theatre, film, television, and the allied arts. UP Retired Professor of Theatre Arts Alexander C. Cortez, Tony and Obie-award winning designer Clint Ramos, playwright Nicolas Pichay, film and TV directors Dennis Marasigan, Rico Gutierrez, and Andoy Ranay, highly-acclaimed actors Shamaine Centenera, Irma Adlawan, Eugene Domingo, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Candy Pangilinan, Dolly de Leon, Harlene Bautista, JC Santos, and Neil Ryan Sese are just some of his students. In 1978, Mabesa served as Theater Director of the Manila Metropolitan Theater. In 2005, he founded the Angeles University Foundation Repertory Theater. He was named UP Professor Emeritus in 2002.

Mabesa was also a television and film actor. His acting credits include roles in GMA 7’s Villa Quintana (1995-1997), Lino Brocka’s Macho Dancer (1988), Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Jose Rizal (1998), Regal Films’ Mano Po series (2002 -2008), and Joel Lamangan’s Vietnam Rose (2005). Lamangan’s Rainbow’s Sunset, where Mabesa co-starred with the late Eddie Garcia, won Mabesa the Best Supporting Actor Award during the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival and the Best Actor Award from the 52nd Worldfest Houston International Film Festival in Texas.

With a career in theater and the performing arts that spanned 70 years, Mabesa was considered one of the founders of Philippine university theater and one of the most prominent theater directors in the country. He was called the “Lion of the Theater” for his work.

Ricky Lee, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts

Born on March 19, 1947, in Daet, Camarines Norte, Ricardo Lee completed his elementary and secondary schooling in the same town. He was an English major at UP’s Department of English and Comparative Literature. Later, he taught screenwriting at the College of Mass Communication, UP Diliman.

Lee was affiliated with Panulat para sa Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan (PAKSA, or Pen for People’s Progress) along with National Artist for Literature Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera and a fellow screenwriter, poet, and journalist, Jose “Pete” Lacaba. In 1973, Lee co-wrote his first screenplay, Armando Garces’s Dragnet.

During his career spanning over four decades, Lee wrote numerous short stories, plays, essays, novels, teleplays, and screenplays. Two of his short stories won first prizes at the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature two years in a row (1970 and 1971). His screenplay, “Salome/Brutal,” won the 1981 Philippine National Book Awards for best screenplay. In 2011, he garnered the Special Prize for a Book Published by an Independent Publisher for Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata, from the National Book Development Board and Manila Critics Circle’s National Book Awards. His two stage plays, Pitik-Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero and DH (Domestic Helper), played to SRO crowds. He has written more than 150 produced scripts, earning him over fifty awards from the Philippine film industry.

He was a staff writer for the Pilipino Free Press in the 1970s. Until the 1990s, he wrote features and interviews for the Asia-Philippines Leader, Metro Magazine, Expressweek, TV Times, Malaya Midday, The National Midweek, Veritas, and Sunday Inquirer Magazine. In 2000, he was one of the recipients of the Centennial Honors for the Arts from the CCP and the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for Tagalog fiction from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas. His books include: Si Tatang at mga Himala ng Ating Panahon, Pitik-Bulag Sa Buwan Ng Pebrero, Brutal/Salome, Moral, Para Kay B, and, Bukas May Pangarap. Salome has been translated into English, published by the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the US, and included in its textbook on film studies. He has also published a screenplay manual, Trip to Quiapo, a required text in many Communications courses in college.

In 2015, UP awarded Lee the 11th UP Gawad Plaridel for Film.

Nora Aunor: 10th UP Gawad Plaridel recipient and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts

Aside from Lee, two others were conferred the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts for 2022: film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya and multi-awarded actress Nora Villamayor, more popularly known as Nora Aunor. In 2014, Aunor was the 10th recipient of the UP Gawad Plaridel, the highest award given by the University to an outstanding media practitioner, for her excellence in film and television.

Trailblazing fashion designer Salvacion Lim-Higgins, known as Slim, was named National Artist for Design (Fashion).

The announcement of the new National Artists came through Proclamation No. 1390, issued by Malacañang upon the joint recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the CCP. Instituted as the Order of National Artists of the Philippines or Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ng Pilipinas was established under Proclamation No. 1001, signed in 1972, and is bestowed on Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine art. Visual artist and former UP Fine Arts Dean Fernando Amorsolo is the first recipient of the National Artist award.

The Philippine government has recently conferred the National Artist award to 81 Filipinos. Of this number, UP counts 44 as members of its academic community.

Source: https://up.edu.ph/five-out-of-8-national-artists-for-2022-are-from-up/

The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) landed on the top spot in the June 2022 Physical and Occupational Therapist Licensure Examinations top-performing schools tally.

A total of 92.86 percent or 26 out of 28 examinees from UPM passed the Physical Therapist Licensure Exam (PTLE).

UPM alumna Jean Ella Marie Taruc Razon garnered the highest place in the said board exam with a rating of 88.05 percent.

Meanwhile, 13 out of 14 examinees from UPM successfully passed the Occupational Therapist Licensure Exam (OTLE) with the same average of 92.86 percent.

The Professional Regulation Commission announced on Tuesday, June 7, that 564 out of 1,032 examinees passed the PTLE while 88 out of 247 passed the OTLE. (Luisa Cabato)

Source: https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/10/up-manila-leads-top-performing-schools-for-june-2022-physical-occupational-therapist-licensure-exams/