PNRI Scientist Receives Outstanding R&D Award for Applied Research
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The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) congratulates Dr. Lucille Abad, Scientist I and head of the PNRI Chemistry Research Section, for receiving the Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research (Julian A. Banzon medal) for her outstanding research on “Radiation Modified Carrageenan as Plant Food Supplement (CPFS)” that proved to be effective as plant growth promoter. The award was given during the opening ceremonies of the 2017 National Science and Technology Week on July 11, 2017 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
In a world where economic progress is driven largely by the ever-increasing efficiency and quality of raw materials and finished products alike, Dr. Abad. stands out as one of the Philippines’ leading innovators in the field of chemistry today.
A Scientist I under the Scientific Career System with a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Management from the University of Tokyo, her devotion to the potentials of radiation technology has allowed Dr. Abad and her team of researchers under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) to develop effective products that will serve agricultural, industrial, medical and environmental purposes alike through the use of natural polymers.
Dr. Abad is looking forward to the potential of radiation processing in improving the quality of a variety of products, from industrial semiconductors, wires and cables to more domestic materials such as abaca fibers and other fabrics. Among the radiation processed products she has developed her projects is the well-tested carrageenan plant food supplement.
Made from a common ingredient derived from red seaweed, the formula was turned into an agricultural miracle by ionizing radiation, allowing a few liters to increase the yield of entire hectares of ricefields by over 20 percent while also making them more resistant to bacterial leaf blight and tungro bacilliform virus infestations. This product is currently also being tested in other crops such as mungbean, peanuts, pechay and leafy vegetables with great potential of having exceptionally high increase in yield.
The carrageenan plant food supplement was not the first time that Dr. Abad worked on carrageenan using radiation processing. PNRI’s previously developed carrageenan polyvinyl-pyrrolidone hydrogel wound dressing is also made from similar materials and is a medical marvel for healing burns, wounds and bedsores while keeping the soothing sensation of its gel structure. She started this work early in 2000, adapted from her studies as a fellow at the Technical University of Lodz, Poland.
A prolific contributor in her field, she has authored several publications in refereed journals and has given lectures/seminars and poster presentations to both local and international audiences. Currently, she has one patent and a utility model and three pending patents on record.
Her vision coupled with her no-nonsense work ethic has already earned Dr. Abad and her team many awards, including the 1st prize in the Annual Aquatic Technology Competition and Marketplace of the Natural Aquatic Resources Research Development System in 2006; 2nd place in the Likha Award in the Health, Education and Environment category of the DOST National Inventor’s Week in 2000; 3rd prize in Best Research sponsored by PCASTRD in 2001; 3rd place in the 1982 NSTA Outstanding Research Award (a slot as a national finalist in the 1st ASEAN Search for Young Scientist in 1989).
Dr. Abad’s various publications in ISI journals have also made her the recipients of the DOST International Award for four consecutive years. More recently, Dr. Abad won first place during the poster competition at the International Meeting on Radiation Processing (IMRP) in Vancouver, Canada, having bested the submissions of researchers from over 80 countries. She has also established herself with linkages with the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as various nuclear institutes especially in Asia, attending international conferences, meetings and expert missions/consultancies, along with fellowships in Japan, Poland and USA.
Certainly, there is more to Dr. Abad than her laurels. From her humble beginnings in Cebu City, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of San Carlos and her Master’s degree in the same field at the University of Santo Tomas. She rose through the ranks under the then-Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (now PNRI) in 1982, and she has long since proven herself as a leader and administrator, currently heading PNRI’s Chemistry Research Section. In 2011, she was conferred with the Dangal ng Bayan Award by the Civil Service Commission as a testament to her achievements as a public servant and a true scientist for the people.
In a world where economic progress is driven largely by the ever-increasing efficiency and quality of raw materials and finished products alike, Dr. Lucille Abad stands out as one of the Philippines’ leading innovators in the field of chemistry today.
A Scientist I under the Scientific Career System with a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Management from the University of Tokyo, her devotion to the potentials of radiation technology has allowed Dr. Abad and her team of researchers under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) to develop effective products that will serve agricultural, industrial, medical and environmental purposes alike through the use of natural polymers.
Dr. Abad is looking forward to the potential of radiation processing in improving the quality of a variety of products, from industrial semiconductors, wires and cables to more domestic materials such as abaca fibers and other fabrics. Among the radiation processed products she has developed her projects is the well-tested carrageenan plant food supplement. Made from a common ingredient derived from red seaweed, the formula was turned into an agricultural miracle by ionizing radiation, allowing a few liters to increase the yield of entire hectares of ricefields by over 20 percent while also making them more resistant to bacterial leaf blight and tungro bacilliform virus infestations. This product is currently also being tested in other crops such as mungbean, peanuts, pechay and leafy vegetables with great potential of having exceptionally high increase in yield.
The carrageenan plant food supplement was not the first time that Dr. Abad worked on carrageenan using radiation processing. PNRI’s previously developed carrageenan polyvinyl-pyrrolidone hydrogel wound dressing is also made from similar materials and is a medical marvel for healing burns, wounds and bedsores while keeping the soothing sensation of its gel structure. She started this work early in 2000, adapted from her studies as a fellow at the Technical University of Lodz, Poland.
A prolific contributor in her field, she has authored several publications in refereed journals and has given lectures/seminars and poster presentations to both local and international audiences. Currently, she has one patent and a utility model and three pending patents on record.
Her vision coupled with her no-nonsense work ethic has already earned Dr. Abad and her team many awards, including the 1st prize in the Annual Aquatic Technology Competition and Marketplace of the Natural Aquatic Resources Research Development System in 2006; 2nd place in the Likha Award in the Health, Education and Environment category of the DOST National Inventor’s Week in 2000; 3rd prize in Best Research sponsored by PCASTRD in 2001; 3rd place in the 1982 NSTA Outstanding Research Award (a slot as a national finalist in the 1st ASEAN Search for Young Scientist in 1989). Dr. Abad’s various publications in ISI journals have also made her the recipients of the DOST International Award for four consecutive years. More recently, Dr. Abad won first place during the poster competition at the International Meeting on Radiation Processing (IMRP) in Vancouver, Canada, having bested the submissions of researchers from over 80 countries. She has also established herself with linkages with the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as various nuclear institutes especially in Asia, attending international conferences, meetings and expert missions/consultancies, along with fellowships in Japan, Poland and USA.
Certainly, there is more to Dr. Abad than her laurels. From her humble beginnings in Cebu City, she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of San Carlos and her Master’s degree in the same field at the University of Santo Tomas. She rose through the ranks under the then-Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (now PNRI) in 1982, and she has long since proven herself as a leader and administrator, currently heading PNRI’s Chemistry Research Section. In 2011, she was conferred with the Dangal ng Bayan Award by the Civil Service Commission as a testament to her achievements as a public servant and a true scientist for the people.
The 2017 National Science and Technology Week Celebration
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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) leads the celebration of the 2017 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 11- 15 at World Trade Center in Pasay City. Carrying the theme "Science For The People", this year's NSTW will highlight S&T services, products, and research outputs that help improve the life of every Filipino. The NSTW also features various activities such as science and technology forums, exhibits, career talks, film showing, and journalism workshop.
Below is the general program of activities for the week-long celebration.
Nuclear Science Helped Filipino Students Shine in Several S&T Events
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Nuclear Science Helped Filipino Students Shine in Several S&T Events
Nuclear science can make high school students winners and bring them to another part of the world. This was proven by students from Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus, who won second place in the Regional Invention Contest held in Cebu City, and students from Manila Science High School, who represented the Philippines in the ASEAN Nuclear Youth Camp in Thailand.
Elijah Joseph Consing and Bryne Alric Yu (3rd and 4th from left, respectively) from Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus receives the second prize for the Outstanding Student Creative Research (SIBOL Award) for High School on June 22 at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City
Radiation Shielding Project Wins SIBOL Award 1st Runner-up
Bringing home the bacon from Cebu City are the students of Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas who placed as the 1st Runner-up for the Outstanding Student Creative Research (SIBOL Award) for High School on June 22, during the 2017 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits.
The winning research project entitled “Radiation Shielding Property of Nemipterusisacanthus (Lagaw) Fish Scales Against Gamma” was authored by Elijah Joseph Consing, Joseph Karl Salva and Bryne Alric Yu. The project was done with consultation and assistance from the PNRI Radiation Protection Services Section.
Aside from the certificates, the winners also received a cash prize of P10,000.
The contest was part of the celebration of the 2017 Regional Science and Technology Week with the theme “Science for the People” held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City from June 20 to 22.
Gil Philip Inocando and Marc Francis Iringan (1st row, 3rd and 5th from right) with their instructor, Joahna Lei Cabreros (2nd row, 2nd from right) and more than thirty representatives from various countries in Southeast Asia during the ASEAN Nuclear Youth Camp 2017 held from June 28 to 30 in Thailand
High School Students Represent Philippines in ASEAN Nuclear Youth Camp
The following week was no less brilliant for the Philippines in the global stage as participants from Manila Science High School represented the country during the ASEAN Nuclear Youth Camp 2017 held at the National Science Museum in Pathumthani, Thailand from June 28 to 30.
Gil Philip Inocando, a Grade 11 student, and Marc Francis Iringan, a Grade 10 student, was joined by their instructor, Joahna Lei Cabreros, as they participated with more than 30 representatives from neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.
The three-day event was organized by Thailand’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT), Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP) and the National Science Museum in Thailand.
The youth camp sought to provide an opportunity for high school students and teachers in ASEAN countries to share knowledge and gain better understanding on nuclear science and technology and its contribution to the development of their respective countries, as well as to increase the interest in nuclear science and technology from the new generation in ASEAN community.
The camp includes group activities, lectures on nuclear and radiation concepts, a walk rally, and site visits to the Thailand Research Reactor (TRR-M1) and several other nuclear technology and radiation detection facilities.
Two New Scientists from PNRI Agriculture Research Section
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Honorable Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, Civil Service Commission Chairperson (extreme left) administers the oathtaking of PNRI Agriculture Research Section Head Ms. Glenda Obra (4th from right) and Mr. Fernando Aurigue from the PNRI Plant Mutation Breeding and Biotechnology Research Unit (3rd from right) as they joined the new batch of Scientists under the Scientific Career System on June 19 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Also in photo are Dr. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director IV, National Academy of Science and Technology – Philippines and Dr. Christina Binag, President of the National Research Council of the Philippines (1st and 2nd from right, respectively)
Two New Scientists from PNRI Agriculture Research Section
Heralding the improving capabilities and recognition among its research and development personnel, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) proudly congratulates two of its researchers in the field of agriculture who were included in the most recent batch of Scientists under the Scientific Career System.
Glenda Obra, the section head of the PNRI Agriculture Research Section and Fernando Aurigue of the Plant Mutation Breeding and Biotechnology Research Group were formally awarded the rank of Scientist I along with three other researchers from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) during the oathtaking ceremonies hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on June 19 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
The oathtaking of new scientists was administered by Honorable Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, Chairperson, Civil Service Commission and Chairperson of the Scientific Career Council.
Specializing in entomology, Ms. Obra devoted her research to study the applications of radiation against pests which damage crops. Under her watch, PNRI has developed several measures which helped improve the welfare of the mango industry such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) against fruit flies in Guimaras Island, as well as the irradiation quarantine treatment for the mango pulp weevil, which is now certified under the US Federal Register.
She was also involved in the establishment of a treatment protocol on extended hot water dip (EHWD) as an alternative quarantine treatment for mangoes exported to China. Her section is currently developing SIT for use against mosquitos such as Aedes aegypti, which serves as the vector for the dreaded dengue virus.
Meanwhile, Mr. Aurigue’s work at PNRI involved the use of radiation to develop mutant varieties of ornamental plants such as orchids, anthuriums and hoyas. Mutation breeding involves the exposure of these crops to radiation to improve its characteristics such as changes in color, increase in yield, shortening of height and strengthened resistance against diseases. After several years of testing, three of these mutant varieties – Sword of Ibe (Sansevieria trifasciata), Golden Stairs (Freycinetia mulutiflora) and Afable (Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi') were successfully registered with the National Seed Industry Council as well as the Mutant Variety Database under the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Aside from his mutation breeding studies, Mr. Aurigue also contributed greatly to the study and popularization of Philippine Hoyas, having collected around 305 species, which are being maintained at the PNRI. Mr. Aurigue is also currently involved in the development and testing of PNRI’s recently developed Plant Food Supplements from irradiated natural polymers, which can increase the yield and resistance of food crops such as rice, mungbean and peanut.
Aiming to support the career and recognition of scientists in the public service, the Scientific Career System was established through Executive Order 784 and Executive Order 901, and was further strengthened by Republic Act 8439, also known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government.
Entry in the Scientific Career System is both an honor and a challenge, with those selected having at least a master’s degree in the sciences, as well as significant outputs and contributions in relevant fields of applied and natural science. These include major publications such as scientific articles in international journals, books and compendiums, development of inventions, discoveries, practical applications of research findings and the training of the next generation of researchers, among others.
Two New Scientists from PNRI Agriculture Research Section
Heralding the improving capabilities and recognition among its research and development personnel, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) proudly congratulates two of its researchers in the field of agriculture who were included in the most recent batch of Scientists under the Scientific Career System.
Glenda Obra, the section head of the PNRI Agriculture Research Section and Fernando Aurigue of the Plant Mutation Breeding and Biotechnology Research Group were formally awarded the rank of Scientist I along with three other researchers from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) during the oathtaking ceremonies hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on June 19 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
The oathtaking of new scientists was administered by Honorable Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, Chairperson, Civil Service Commission and Chairperson of the Scientific Career Council.
Specializing in entomology, Ms. Obra devoted her research to study the applications of radiation against pests which damage crops. Under her watch, PNRI has developed several measures which helped improve the welfare of the mango industry such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) against fruit flies in Guimaras Island, as well as the irradiation quarantine treatment for the mango pulp weevil, which is now certified under the US Federal Register.
She was also involved in the establishment of a treatment protocol on extended hot water dip (EHWD) as an alternative quarantine treatment for mangoes exported to China. Her section is currently developing SIT for use against mosquitos such as Aedes aegypti, which serves as the vector for the dreaded dengue virus.
Meanwhile, Mr. Aurigue’s work at PNRI involved the use of radiation to develop mutant varieties of ornamental plants such as orchids, anthuriums and hoyas. Mutation breeding involves the exposure of these crops to radiation to improve its characteristics such as changes in color, increase in yield, shortening of height and strengthened resistance against diseases. After several years of testing, three of these mutant varieties – Sword of Ibe (Sansevieria trifasciata), Golden Stairs (Freycinetia mulutiflora) and Afable (Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi') were successfully registered with the National Seed Industry Council as well as the Mutant Variety Database under the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Aside from his mutation breeding studies, Mr. Aurigue also contributed greatly to the study and popularization of Philippine Hoyas, having collected around 305 species, which are being maintained at the PNRI. Mr. Aurigue is also currently involved in the development and testing of PNRI’s recently developed Plant Food Supplements from irradiated natural polymers, which can increase the yield and resistance of food crops such as rice, mungbean and peanut.
Aiming to support the career and recognition of scientists in the public service, the Scientific Career System was established through Executive Order 784 and Executive Order 901, and was further strengthened by Republic Act 8439, also known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government.
Entry in the Scientific Career System is both an honor and a challenge, with those selected having at least a master’s degree in the sciences, as well as significant outputs and contributions in relevant fields of applied and natural science. These include major publications such as scientific articles in international journals, books and compendiums, development of inventions, discoveries, practical applications of research findings and the training of the next generation of researchers, among others.
