The University of the Philippines is proud to have 5 of its scientists and faculty named among this 12 months’s Asian Scientist 100.
Joining the ranks of Asia’s most excellent scientists are: Dr. Mary Donnabelle Balela and Dr. Aurelio de los Reyes V from UP Diliman; National Scientist Romulo Davide and Marcela Navasero from UP Los Baños; and Dr. (*100*) Anne Mata from UP Mindanao.
Balela is a professor on the UPD Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering. She is the recipient of the 2024 National Science and Technology Week Outstanding Research and Development Award for her work on using biodegradable kapok fibers to mitigate oil spills.
De los Reyes is a professor on the UPD Institute of Mathematics whose analysis pursuits embrace mathematical biology. His analysis on hormone-based contraceptive dosing methods earned him the 2024 National Science and Technology Week Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research.
Agricultural scientists Davide and Navasero have been acknowledged for his or her work on pure pest management. Davide, hailed because the “Father of Plant Nematology,” developed the nation’s first organic management product towards plant-parasitic nematodes or roundworms attacking crops. He was declared the forty fourth National Scientist of the Philippines in 2024. Navasero’s experience within the detection and management of invasive plant pests and ailments was awarded the 2024 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award.
Mata is a professor on the UPMin Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. She was acknowledged for her use of mathematical fashions to reply to public well being points resembling rabies and COVID-19. In 2025, the National Academy of Science and Technology named her among the 2025 Outstanding Young Scientists.
The Asian Scientist 100 is a listing of award-winning researchers, academicians, and trade leaders who’ve made vital contributions of their respective scientific disciplines. It is revealed yearly in Asian Scientist Magazine.
To qualify, a scientist should have obtained a nationwide or worldwide award or have made a groundbreaking discovery of their area.