On its second year, the Department of Agriculture Biotech Program Office again successfully organized the Filipino Faces of Biotechnology (FFB) as part of the recent 13th National Biotechnology Week (NBW). The FFB is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the exceptional contributions of scientists, policymakers, farmer-leaders, and communicators to Philippine biotechnology.
The event was held on November 23, 2017 at Brentwood Suites in Quezon City and was attended by biotech advocates, previous FFB recipients, and members of the science sector, among others.
Headed by DA Biotech Program Director Vivencio R. Mamaril, the event did not only serve as a celebration of Philippine biotechnology achievements but also prompted past and current FFB recipients to become inspirations to the society.
This year’s FFB recognized the significant efforts of the following: Dr. Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza for pioneering GM research and advancing biotechnology education with a cause; Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora for leading institutions for biotechnology research and development; Mr. Angelo B. Palmones for advocating science and communicating biotechnology for food security and industry development; Dr. William G. Padolina for leading institutions and furthering more meaningful development agenda for biotechnology; Dr. Emil Q. Javier for leading institutions and championing agricultural science; Dr. Segfredo R. Serrano for steering biotechnology policies and program for greater relevance and meaningful impact in agriculture and; Atty. Edgardo J. Angara for championing science, technology and innovation for agricultural development.
During the event, the DA Biotech Program Office also announced the criteria for the 3rd Filipino Faces of Biotechnology. The public nomination is open to Filipino individuals who are of good moral character and who work in the fields of agriculture, health, environment, information, education, and communication (IEC), or policy. Judging will be based on the exceptional contribution to the advancement of biotechnology in the country (90%) and awards and/or citations received related to biotechnology (10%). The nomination period will run from January 8 to June 30, 2018. Those that are interested may send their nominations to Director Vivencio R. Mamaril through biotechpiu@gmail.com with the subject “FacesofBiotech Nomination”.
This year’s National Biotechnology Week carries the theme “Bioteknolohiya para sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan, at Kaunlaran: Lamang ang Masa at Magsasaka sa Limang “K” ng Bioteknolohiya” which highlights the beneficial application of biotechnology in food and agriculture, health, environment, and industry.
Photo by Gil Calinga, Philippine News Agency (www.pna.gov.ph)
Reference:
DA-Biotech Program
