The 10th Filipino Faces of Biotechnology (FoB) Awards were recently presented by the Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Program Office (DA Biotech Program), recognizing individuals who have advanced biotechnology in the Philippines.
Recognizing the People Behind the Science
The FoB Awards, now in their tenth year, honor scientists, civil servants, farmers, communicators, and student leaders. Judging criteria prioritize accomplishments in research and development, policy, advocacy, and communication, accounting for 90 percent of the evaluation. The remaining 10 percent considers supporting awards and citations.
DA Biotech Program Director Paul Limson, DVM, emphasized the importance of recognizing those “quietly doing the work, often without recognition, and often under difficult conditions.” He noted that research alone doesn’t guarantee improved agricultural outcomes; successful implementation under real-world farming conditions is crucial.
Challenges and Opportunities in Biotechnology
A key challenge, as highlighted by Limson, is translating completed research into technologies that farmers can effectively use and sustain. DA Fisheries Biotechnology Center’s center chief Casiano Choresca, PhD, reading a message from DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, stated that new biotechnology tools offer opportunities to develop more resilient crops, fisheries, and livestock, but their impact depends on actual utilization.
The FoB initiative began with a question posed by former director Ann Lopez: “who are the people behind the work?” The program aims to bridge the gap between science and society by showcasing the individuals driving biotechnology forward.
2024 FoB Award Recipients
This year’s awardees include:
- Dr. Ma. Jodecel C. Danting (NFFTC) for pioneering work in fisheries biotechnology, particularly tilapia genetics.
- Dr. Danila Hufana-Duran (DA-Philippine Carabao Center) for leadership in reproductive biotechnology and livestock genetic improvement.
- Dr. Reynante L. Ordonio (DA-Crop Biotechnology Center) for research and policy leadership in crop biotechnology and gene editing, including work on Golden Rice.
- Dr. Reniel S. Pamplona (UPLB) for excellence in agricultural biotechnology and genomics education.
- Dr. Cesar B. Quicoy (UPLB) for expertise in biosafety, biotechnology policy, and GM crop socio-economic research.
- Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos (NFRDI) for leadership in fisheries genetics, conservation biotechnology, and marine biodiversity research.
- Dr. Maria Corazon de Ungria (UP NSRI) for pioneering work in forensic DNA science, genomics, and biotechnology ethics.
The FoB Awards have been formally institutionalized within the DA through Department Order No. 17, Series of 2024, signaling a continued commitment to recognizing the people shaping the future of biotechnology in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the Filipino Faces of Biotechnology Awards?
The awards emphasize recognizing the individuals who move biotechnology from initial ideas to successful implementation for the benefit of the country.
What percentage of the judging criteria is based on an individual’s accomplishments?
90 percent of the judging criteria is devoted to an individual’s accomplishments in research and development, policy, advocacy, and/or communication.
What was the inspiration behind the FoB initiative?
The initiative was inspired by the social media account Humans of New York, aiming to highlight the stories of the people behind the science.
As biotechnology continues to evolve, how might these awards shape future innovation and public perception of the field?
