UP Alumni and Researchers Honored at the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week 2025
During the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week 2025, several alumni and researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP) were honored for their significant contributions to the fields of science and technology.
Award Winners
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. Quisumbing Medal. This award recognizes outstanding research and development in basic research, specifically for his study titled “Influence of Multiyear Variability on the Observed Regime Shifts in the Philippine Climatology.” Dr. Basconcillo holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and a Master of Science in Meteorology from UP Diliman.
Dr. Andrew Montecillo, associated with UP Los Baños, was awarded the Julian A. Banzon Medal for his applied research study, “LAMPPOST: Livestock and Avian Molecular Pathogenomics for Precision Outbreak Surveillance and Tracking.” He has earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Microbiology, along with a Ph.D. by Research in Microbiology from UP Los Baños, where he also serves as an assistant professor.
Research teams from UP Los Baños were recognized with the Gregorio Y. Zara Medal for their work on “A Papaya Revolution: The ‘Sinta’ Variety’s Commercial Triumph.” This project was led by Dr. Violeta Villegas with the involvement of researchers such as Pablito Magdalita, Reynold Pimentel, Enrique Barile, and Fernando Aurigue. Dr. Villegas, who previously directed the Institute of Plant Breeding in the College of Agriculture and Food Science at UPLB, holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Science in Horticulture from the same institution.
Additionally, the late Dr. Mercedes Umali-Garcia was honored posthumously for her research, “The Bio-N Technology,” a recognition made alongside her colleagues Julieta Anarna, Domingo Holongbayan, Cesinande Dela Rosa, Edison Abrigo, Fernando Cagayat, Jomar Hon, Ricky Altamira, Marwin Sinajon, Noel Garcia, Allan Barachina, and Leo Manipol.
Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-De La Paz received the Discoro L. Umali Medal in recognition of her leadership as the executive director of the UP Manila National Institutes of Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UP Diliman and completed her medical training at UP Manila.
The ceremony underscored the contributions of UP alumni and researchers to advancements in science and technology, highlighting their roles in addressing contemporary challenges and enhancing public service through innovation and research.
Source: University of the Philippines
