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THE MANILA HOTEL, One Rizal Park, Manila, Sept. 10, 2026 (SDN) — Established on September 15, 1951, the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science, Technology, and Innovation (PhilAASTI) marked its 75th Anniversary today, Thursday, as it conferred the 2026 PhilAASTI Award to 10 accomplished scientists and technologists.

Academician Fortunato T. De La Peña, PhilAASTI president, led the activities as the group marked its 75th Anniversary and Annual Convention with the theme revolving around “Building Foundations, Strengthening Pillars, Delivering Solutions” as it continues its vision of creating a world class corps of Filipino S&T (Science & Technology), its mission of instilling a culture of excellence and integrity among Filipino scientists and technologists, as well as its objectives, among others, of promoting, encouraging, undertaking scientific and technological studies, research and other related activities to contribute to the country’s development.

Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., head of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), extended his message through a video clip, expressing his warmest congratulations to PhilAASTI on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary and 2026 Annual Convention.

“Seventy-five years is a remarkable milestone. It marks generations of scientists, researchers, engineers, innovators, educators, and partners who have worked together to advance science, technology, and innovation and to harness knowledge for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he says.

Solidum added the event’s theme appropriately encapsulates “both the Association’s legacy and the imperative task ahead.”

In its 75 years existence, PhilAASTI, the country’s Science chief said, “has served as a cornerstone of our national science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem”, bringing unity to government, academia, and industry.

Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, one of the Board of Directors of PhilAASTI, in his own message, noted how the group “helped shape the nation’s scientific journey,” as he recalled it pioneering National Science Week as well as backing landmark science legislation and the establishment of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), giving recognition to outstanding Filipino scientists, advancing public understanding of science, strengthening science education, as it brought practical technologies to communities.

“Across generations, the Association has remained a steadfast bridge among researchers, educators, government, industry, young people, and the public,” Paringit, the Overall Chairperson of PhilAASTI 2026 Convention, emphasizes.

De La Peña is academician at the National Academy for Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL), and former DOST secretary.

The 10 2026 PhilAASTI Award recipients are:

• Dr. Allan S. Gilles, Jr., Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Basic Science Research;
• Sci. Fides Marcia Z. Tambalao, Gregorio Y. Zaide Award for Applied Science Research;
• Dr. Janus P. Ong, Paulo Campus Award for Health Research;
• Dr. Donnabelle L. Balela, David M. Consunji Award for Engineering Research;
• Dr. Victoria O. Espaldon, LEADS Agri Award for Agricultural Award;
• Dr. Beatriz A. Belmonte, Michael R.I. Purvis Award for Sustainability;
• Dr. Michael Y. Roleda, Ceferino L. Follosco Award for Product and Process Innovation;
• Dr. Maria Rosario D. Singh, Lourdes E. Campos Award for Public Health;
• Dr. Laura T. David, Francis I. Ferrer Award for Productivity Through Technology; and,
• Raymund F. Liboro, Ramon Y. Dimacali for Innovation Technology.

Each of the 10 awardees received a Php50,000-cash grant and a trophy, not the least honor and bragging rights.

It can be recalled that a select circle of visionary scientists established PhilAASTI seven decades and five years ago, and it has been sustaining its recognition of scientific excellence which has turned into an important part of its legacy.

Currently, the science, technology, and innovation (STI) association “has grown into a multidisciplinary community committed not only to generating knowledge, but also to transforming knowledge into technologies, policies, enterprises and solutions that benefit society.”

Used to be, PhilAASTI did not have “Innovation” in its name, added only recently. The term Innovation’s “inclusion in its evolving identity is both symbolic and forward-looking”.

Related: PhilAASTI Press Conference on Sept. 9, 2026 pre-75th Anniversary and Annual Convention 

PhilAASTI creates new recognition for more achievers

Meanwhile, PhilAASTI has created a new category to give due recognition to more achievers in the country’s Science Community.

Dr. Alvin B. Culaba, national president of Sci and Tech Philippines, head of the Committee for the Dr. Michael R.I. Purvis Award for Sustainability Research , described the distinction of being a PhilAASTI Fellow recipient as “the highest honor conferred” by the association on “individuals who have demonstrated outstanding and sustained contributions to science, technology, innovation, education, industry, public service, or related fields.”

He added the distinction “signifies not only professional excellence but also service to the scientific community and society.”

The pioneer PhilAASTI Fellow awardees are:

• Eng’r Alfonso A. Aliga, Jr.;
• Atty. Froilan A. Bagabaldo;
• Maria Ester Follosco-Bautista; and
• Dr. Jose Paolo S. Campos.

Another feature of the activities is the Poster Making Competition, and the winners for the Best Poster are:

• 1st Place — Presenting author, Bangsamoro native Jumadan Hadjarani, co-authors Felicidad Christina Peñafiel and Christina Binag (University of Santo Tomas), which comes with Php15,000 cash prize;
• 2nd Place — Presenting author, Jose Marco D. La Rosa, co-authors Aldrin James A. Lucas, Ma. Nazarene M. Baculanta, and Racquel O. Remorque (Industrial Technology Development Institute), Php10,000 cash prize; and

• 3rd Place — Presenting author, Joanna Marie Ramos, Php7,000 cash prize.

In his Keynote Address at the event, De La Peña walked back key major developments that led to the growth of the country’s Science Community, including the unwavering resolve of individuals who strived to lay the foundation for succeeding generations of S&T corps.

The PhilAASTI president also cited science leaders and their families who are donors to the Association and whose names now carry the 10 award categories. He thanked them for their generosity and continuing support. — EDD K. USMAN / SDN (©)

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The author

EDD, a native of Sub-Saharan Africa Buluan/Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, BARMM, college at UST, is a Manila-based journalist for over 40 years (33 years with Manila Bulletin), has five Media Awards (1 with University of the Philippines (UP) 2017 Science Journalism Award), covered and traveled over 40 times abroad), has contributed to Rappler, Business Mirror, Manila Business Insights, Panorama Magazine, Agriculture Magazine, and others, former Manila-based Foreign Correspondent of Saudi Arabia newspapers Saudi Gazette and Riyadh Daily, and The Peninsula (Qatar newspaper), with 2008 East-West Center (EWC) Journalism Seminar in the United States, 2000 Executive IT Seminar in Seoul, South Korea, with three Silver Awards in Photography, writes Muslim and Current Affairs, Enterprise, Science, Tech, Products Launch, and virtually everything under Heaven. (®)