Anna Regidor – Diliman Information Office
Prof. Excelsa C. Tongson, DSD of the UP Diliman (UPD) College of Home Economics (CHE) is the new chairperson of the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the organization announced on March 22 on their Facebook page.
A faculty member at the CHE Department of Family Life and Child Development, Tongson is also the deputy director for Training, Outreach, and Extension Program of the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies.
She conducts seminars and training on gender sensitivity, use of gender fair language, and gender responsive early childhood care and development.
The PSSC is one of the country’s longest running and financially viable non-profit organizations that has carved a niche as a “base for developing social science scholarship and training and a repository of social science resources in the country.” The PSSC was tapped by various foundations and agencies to administer grants and scholarships in the country. Some of its partners include the Ford Foundation, the Asian Scholarships Foundation in Bangkok, and the Philippine Center for Population.
Source: https://upd.edu.ph/upd-professor-is-new-pssc-chair/
Alumni Milestones
Community pantry pioneer named 2022 AirAsia Stellar Awardee
MANILA — Ana Patricia Non, known for her community pantry initiative amid the COVID-19 pandemic, was given the 2022 Stellar Award of the Year by airline AirAsia on Tuesday.
Non, 28, is the first recipient of the award.
In her acceptance speech, the University of the Philippines Fine Arts graduate thanked AirAsia for recognizing her efforts in the community pantry initiative.
“It was only last year that I realized that there were more than 6,000 community pantries set up nationwide. Pagtulong lang po talaga ang layunin ko. I did not realize that I have inspired many kind-hearted people,” Non said.
In 2021, Non initiated the Maginhawa community pantry in Quezon City as a way of providing food and other basic commodities to residents amid the pandemic.
The initiative sparked a snowball effect, prompting other communities to set up pantries of their own.
For his part, AirAsia chief executive officer Ricky Isla said the award recognizes the contribution of employees, stakeholders, the media, and other personalities during the pandemic.
“We were all affected by the pandemic and we at AirAsia value everyone’s contribution to keep us all on our feet and defeat the pandemic. Now that we are on the road to recovery, let AirAsia recognize all of you who stand by our side,” Isla said.
Aside from Non, other personalities were also recognized, including ABS-CBN News’ Jacque Manabat.
—with report from Raoul Esperas
Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/03/22/22/community-pantry-pioneer-wins-airasia-award
January 2022 Dentist Licensure Examination UP graduates
Congratulations to all!
Two are in the Top 10:
3rd Place — Yumi Dacoco Tokoyo (82.87)
5th Place — Nica Jeorgia Perez Salazar (82.50)
Source: UP MANILA (Official) Twitter
CSWCD tops 2022 social work board exam
Benito V. Sanvictores Jr. – Diliman Information Office
For two consecutive years, UP Diliman (UPD) College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) graduates led the roster of passers of the Social Worker Licensure Examination (SWLE) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Social Workers.
Alain Matteo Ferrer Meneses topped the 2022 SWLE with an 85.60 percent rating, while Sofia Clare Parcon Silva-Llana placed sixth (83.80%). Meneses graduated magna cum laude, while Silva-Llana graduated cum laude in 2020.
Out of 1,211 examinees, 533 (44.01%) passed the 2022 examination from Feb. 22 to 24 held in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.
Source: https://upd.edu.ph/cswcd-tops-2022-social-work-board-exam/
Duterte appoints new SEC commissioner
Iris Gonzales – The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has appointed lawyer McJill Bryant Fernandez as commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said Fernandez has extensive experience in government service.
“He will surely help push forward the SEC in its mandate of enabling the corporate sector, deepening the capital market and protecting the investing public,” Aquino said.
Fernandez succeeds Ephyro Luis Amatong who ended his eight years of service in the SEC. He will take over Amatong’s duty in supervising the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department (MSRD).
Fernandez previously served as the deputy executive secretary for general administration (DESGA) in the Office of the President.
As DESGA, Fernandez assisted the executive secretary in articulating the policy directives of the President through executive orders and ordinances, processing of applications for the establishment of special economic zones, evaluation of special authorities for executive agreements, foreign loans and grants, and in addressing policy, legal and administrative concerns of various agencies in the executive department as well as of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).
Aside from these roles, he concurrently represented the Office of the President and the executive secretary in several interagency committees and oversight bodies, including the Development Budget Coordination Committee, the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, the Cabinet cluster on economic development, and various committees and technical committees of the National Economic Development Authority.
Furthermore, Fernandez served on the governing boards of different GOCCs, including the Laguna Lake Development Authority, Development Academy of the Philippines, and the Philippine Center for Economic Development.
Prior to his role as DESGA, Fernandez worked at the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs under the Office of the President, and handled the review of government contracts, recommendations for executive clemency, and resolution of cases from agencies exercising quasi-judicial functions, as well as administrative disciplinary cases of presidential appointees and local chief executives.
A cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines – Manila with a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in Political Science, Fernandez studied law at Ateneo de Manila University and finished with second honors.
He was admitted to the bar in April 2009, and began his practice at the Tolentino Corvera Macasaet and Reig Law Office, where he specialized in litigation, corporate, and labor law.
Meanwhile, Amatong led initiatives and reforms in the capital market. He also played a key role in crafting the Financial
Institutions Strategic Transfer Act, which aims to secure the Philippine financial system and support its recovery from the impact of the pandemic; the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Act, which paved the way for the domestic REIT market to take off; the Rules and Regulations Governing Crowdfunding, which recognize the financial innovation’s potential to broaden access to capital and investments; the Financial Consumer Protection Bill; and the 2015 Implementing Rules and Regulations of The Securities Regulation Code.
Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/03/21/2168672/duterte-appoints-new-sec-commissioner
UP-Manila grads take top 2 spots in Physicians Licensure exams
Two graduates from the University of the Philippines – Manila made it to the top two slots in the March 2022 Physician Licensure Examination, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Friday evening.
Linnaeus Louisse Abbarientos Cruz had a rating of 90.25% while Bradley Ashley Gue Ong’s rating was 89.00.
A total of 1,427 graduates out of 2,837 successfully hurdled the licensure examination.
The rest of the graduates who made it to the top ten are the following:
The three top performing schools with 50 or more examinees and with at least 80% passing percentage are:
- University of the Philippines – Manila
- University of Sto. Tomas
- University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
Former UPV-CFOS Dean Baylon appointed member of the PRB of Fisheries
Ms. Lenilyn Gallos
Dr. Carlos C. Baylon, former Dean and a retired Professor of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas, is the new member of the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Fisheries.
Dr. Baylon formally took his oath of office for a term of three years before Hon. Teofilo S. Pilando, Jr., Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), on February 28, 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City. Dr. Baylon was accompanied by his wife, Dr Juliana C. Baylon, Professor of the Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Visayas.
Dr. Baylon was appointed to the Board of Fisheries based on his academic credentials, proven leadership qualities, professional competence and experience, integrity and commitment to high professional standards, as well as his capacity to perform the duties and responsibilities of a member of the regulatory board.
The PRB of Fisheries, composed of a Chairperson and four members, is primarily tasked to regulate and monitor the practice of the profession in order to improve the quality of fisheries education in the country and to establish the highest standards for fisheries professionals.
Created by virtue of RA 11398 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Profession Act, the Board, among others, is authorized to promulgate, adopt, and issue rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of the law; administer and supervise the licensure examination for admission to the practice of the fisheries profession; and supervise and regulate the licensure, registration, and practice of the fisheries profession.
In addition to his appointment at the PRC, Dr. Baylon is also currently the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Fisheries at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Philippine Representative to the Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia and the Pacific (NACA) for 2021 – 2022. (With sources from Dr. Carlos C. Baylon)
Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/former-upv-cfos-dean-baylon-appointed-member-of-the-prb-of-fisheries
ABS-CBN journalist Rose Eclarinal recognized for advancing Pinoys’ cause abroad
Joefer Tacardon, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
LONDON—Rose Eclarinal, bureau chief of ABS-CBN Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), has been named a recipient of the 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), under the Banaag category.
Eclarinal, who holds extensive experience covering Europe’s breaking and developing events, has been recognized for “her significant contributions and advancing the cause of overseas Filipinos.”
She considers the recognition a “priceless reward” for the work that she does for her community and her country.
“I remembered my father who passed away during the first wave of the pandemic. He valued institutions like the military and the Office of the President. He would have been so proud,” Eclarinal said.
Some of the biggest happenings covered by the seasoned journalist through the years include the royal weddings, canonizations in Italy and Portugal, the Papal conclave, the 2012 London Olympics, and interviews with Hollywood A-listers, world leaders and European royalties.
On top of her regular work, Eclarinal started a passion project, Juan Eu Konek, a news magazine program documenting the lives of Filipinos in Europe. She independently funded it with her colleague, Gene Alcantara. It started broadcasting in 2014. After airing on ANC and TFC for 2 years, the show was revamped as a digital program in 2019.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Juan Eu Konek started livestreaming content and captured viewers on social media. “It felt providential when during the peak of the pandemic, our project was awarded The National Lottery Community Fund to support Juan Eu Konek’s work,” Eclarinal said.
This paved the way for the production of Kontra Corona Docuseries, which was first released digitally, then aired on DZMM Teleradyo and Sky Cable in the Philippines.
“Juan Eu Konek Kontra Corona docu was a passion project. I did not get paid or earn from it. It was completely done out of passion and community service,” Eclarinal expressed.
The University of the Philippines—Diliman alumna started her career in journalism as researcher then writer for ABS-CBN’s investigative news magazine program, “The Inside Story”, before becoming a producer and reporter for the network’s award-wining weekly documentary program, “The Correspondents”. She also worked as a senior producer for the Philippines’ longest running primetime newscast, “TV Patrol”, and held executive producer posts before studying overseas for her masters.
Eclarinal completed degrees at various academic institutions in Europe. She was also a recipient of the UK’s Chevening program, the Netherlands Fellowship program and the Erasmus Mundus master’s program, funded by the European Union.
“I’m a homegrown ABS-CBN journalist. One of the many things I learned from the company that nurtured me for over 2 decades is public service,” Eclarinal said.
As an accomplished and empowered woman, she is also grateful to the many great women who influenced, inspired, mentored and lifted her.
“No one can set the bar for anything you want to do in life, personally of professionally, but yourself,” she added.
She shared that knowing her stories make a difference in the lives of ordinary Juans in Europe drives her to continue and excel in the field of mass media and community service.
“Journalism and community service are so intertwined. It’s very challenging but extremely rewarding, “ said Eclarinal.
Eclarinal, one of 56 recipients of the Presidential Awards, will receive a medal from President Rodrigo Duterte at an event in Manila.
The PAFIOO is a biennial search for overseas-based organizations or individuals who have dedicated their work in the service of Filipinos in the Philippines or abroad, selflessly supported relief, rehabilitation, and development programs in the home country, or excelled in their field of work or profession. The awardees were thoroughly screened through a 4-stage evaluation process.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) said 117 nominations came from 31 countries and were endorsed by 39 Philippine foreign service posts across Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia.
Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/03/09/22/abs-cbn-journo-cited-for-advancing-pinoys-cause-abroad
Prof. Cadondon wins Best Oral Presentation Award at the 6th International Conference on Climate Change 2022
Professor Jumar G. Cadondon of the University of the Philippines Visayas – Division of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences recently presented two research papers at the 6th International Conference on Climate Change 2022. His work titled Algal organic matter measurements of Spirulina using UV-Vis absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy under the track Climate Change: Agriculture, Water, and Food Security won the Best Oral Presentation Award. He also presented another paper titled Correlation of water quality, UV-Vis absorbance, and fluorescence measurements of Laguna rivers during the dry season under the track Climate Change Impacts, Education, and Social Responsibility.
The said conference with the theme “Meeting Climate Challenges Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic” was conducted virtually last February 17-18, 2022, through the Zoom virtual platform. The conference aims to encourage collaboration and exchange of information ideas among environmentalists and professionals in related disciplines with a particular interest in global climate change issues and solutions. It was organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management-Sri Lanka and co-hosted by the Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research from the College of Science of the De La Salle University and Association for Environment Management and Sustainability. The conference has its academic partners, namely the School of Environmental Science and Management from University of the Philippines Los Banos, Forestry Faculty from Mulawarman University, Kocaeli University, and Department of Geography Modibbo from the Adama University of Technology.
The event started with the speech of the conference convener, Mr. Isanka P Gamage, co-founder & managing director of The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). Three sessions about climate change were organized for the first day of the conference, namely “climate change mitigation and effective adaptation”, “climate change impacts, education, and social responsibility”, and “climate change and carbon management”. The conference went on the second day with a publication seminar, various poster and oral presentations, plenary sessions, and roundtable discussions. An awarding ceremony concluded the whole 2-day event.
Source: https://www.upv.edu.ph/index.php/news/prof-cadondon-wins-best-oral-presentation-award-at-the-6th-international-conference-on-climate-change-2022
UPLB plant pathologist is new Global Young Academy member
Dr. Mark Angelo O. Balendres, a plant pathologist at the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), has been named a member of the prestigious Global Young Academy (GYA), an exclusive organization that envisions ‘science for all; science for the future’ through ‘giving a voice to young scientists around the world.’
GYA develops, connects, and mobilizes scientists from six continents and empowers researchers to lead international, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational dialogue.
It currently has 200 scientists in the early stages of their independent academic careers as members.
GYA conducts strategic projects in collaboration with international partner organizations in four thematic areas of Science and Society, GYA & the SDGs, Research Environment, and Science Education & Outreach.
GYA members serve a five-year term and are elected for their scientific excellence and commitment to engage with society.
Dr. Balendres graduated with a PhD in Agricultural Science specializing in plant pathology from the University of Tasmania in Australia.
He headed the Plant Pathology Laboratory of IPB from 2019 until February 2022 where he mentored Filipino students and researchers and linked them with international plant pathology experts through webinars.
Dr. Balendres received the 2020 UPLB Outstanding Researcher Award and the Nelia T. Gonzales Award of Excellence for Research, and was the youngest recipient of the 2019 G.O. Ocfemia Outstanding Plant Pathologist Award (Research) by the Philippine Phytopathological Society Inc.
He is a member of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society, the American Phytopathological Society, International Society for Seed Science, the National Research Council of the Philippines, International Society of Root Research, and the Philippine Phytopathological Society.
Dr. Balendres is the sixth member of GYA from the Philippines and only the second from UPLB, Dr. Decibel Faustino-Eslava being the first one. (JMBo)
Source: https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/uplb-plant-pathologist-is-new-global-young-academy-member/