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MANILA, April 22, 2026 (SDN) — A researcher’s life requires a full time attention, an exhaustive, tiring, and, sometimes, thankless effort.
Not that researchers, the scientists who made it their life’s mission to be of service to society, countrymen, and country, are doing it with an eye for rewards.
Certainly, there are researchers who consider it reward enough to see the products of their brain power appreciated and being used for the good of all. Commercialize, especially, that is!
Good thing is that there are government agencies and private organizations that give recognition to researchers whose achievements, or their life’s works are considered “outstanding”, meaning they stand out from the rest of the scientific community.
In fact, the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) has been bestowing recognition to researchers or scientists through, amonfg others, its NAST Environmental Science Award (NESA) and the Dr. Geminiano T. de Ocampo (GTO) Visionary Award for Medical Research.
NAST is one of the attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippines’ premier advisory and recognition body for S&T. It recognizes outstanding Filipino scientists as well as advising the government on S&T policy.
Presently headed by Academician Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, president, NAST PHL, held its 2026 NESA Award and the 2025 GTO Visionary Award for Medical Research at the five-star Admiral Hotel along Roxas Blvd., Manila, as it paid tribute to two outstanding scientists.
Dr. Rachel June Ravago-Gotanco from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) won this year’s NESA Award that also comes with cash prize of Php150,000 from NAST PHL. She is also entitled to a Php2 million research grant provided by the DOST’s Secretary’s Grant for Environment. She has to submit a research proposal and be approved before the grant is released to her.
DOST awards feel like “breath of fresh air” in this time of political controversy
Dr. Melecia Antonio-Velmonte was bestowed the 2025 GTO Visionary Award for Medical Research, honoring her many years of life’s work in the scientific field. Her award comes with a GTO Medal and Plaque of Appreciation from NAST PHL, and a cash prize of Php100,000 from the family of National Scientist Dr. Geminiano T. De Ocampo.
Awardees Dr. Ravago-Gotanco and Dr. Antonio-Velmonte presented their respective papers titled “Complex patterns of genetic structure in the sea cucumber Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra from the Philippines: Implications for aquaculture and fishery managent” and “National Infection Prevention Control Program: Then and Now”.
NAST PHL partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the NESA Award. The DENR provides additional cash incentive for the awardee.
NAST PHL said Ravago-Gotanco’s “work focuses on integrating molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinfomatics, and marine science to build a foundation of knowledge, actions, and solutions to sustain and protect the country’s marine biodiversity”.
Dr. Antonio-Velmonte, 87, gained recognition “for her pioneering work in infection control, which proved crucial during the SARS crisis in 2003 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019”, the DOST agency emphasized.
NAST PHL pointed out the 2025 GTO awardee’s “commitment to her profession also paved the way for the institutionalization of infection control units in both public and private hospitals across the Philippines”. Her pioneering work clinched her the award.
In an interview, Montoya cited the importance of giving scientists recognition for their feats.
“Naku, napaka-importante, lalo na sa mga panahon na ito na mga issues natin ay puro pulitika. Aywan ko kayo. Pero kung ako tatanungin nyo, hindi siya magandang balita. Laging may naririnig ka na ganito, ganun, perang nawala, kurapsyon,” the NAST PHL president emphasizes as fielded questions from the media.
(Translation: Oh, this is very important, especially in today’s time that issues are all politics. I don’t know about you. But if you ask me, it is not good news. You always hear this and that, money lost, corruption.)
“This is something positive. Hindi ba? (Isn’t it?),” he adds, referring to the corruption issues every dominating media organizations’ reports. “That, despite all this controversy, we have heroes, scientists who conducted very important studies so that every Filipino’s life becomes better. This is it.”
Montoya was referring to the NESA Award and the GTO Award. “It’s like a breath of fresh air. This is the good news that Filipinos should know about.”
As Dr. Antonio-Velmonte was leaving the event’s venue, reporters asked her briefly on what inspired her to go into research.
She told SDN Online that when she read some scientific studies she thought she can do it, too. “Kaya ko naman pala ito.” (So, I can do it, too.) That’s what started her into her scientific journey.
The 2025 GTO Awardee sent out a message to the youth to inspired them to go into research. “You should be encouraged to seek answer (to your questions). And the best way to do that is to research and research and do research.” She added that products of research should be open to the public and be taught (its relevant to society).
Meanwhile, the members of the NESA Board of Judges included Academicians Marco Nemesio E. Montano, Arnel N. Del Barrio, Guillermo Q. Tabios III, Agnes C. Rola, and Edward H.M. Wang. — EDD K. USMAN (/)