MANILA — A professor at the De La Salle University is set to receive a PHP1-million grant from the Department of Science and Technology under the program DOST Secretary’s Grant for Environment.
Marine ecologist and DLSU professor Wilfredo Licuanan was announced Monday to have bagged the slot for the grant for his study entitled “Coral benchmarks in the center of biodiversity”.
The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) also gave Licuanan PHP100,000 in a ceremony on Monday, as his prize for also bagging the NAST Environmental Science award.
“At the DOST, we have always been passionate to address concerns related to the environment,” DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña said in his speech at the ceremony, congratulating Licuanan for “selflessly devoting his works in protecting the environment”.
The NAST noted that Licuanan had been surveying and monitoring coral reefs for over 30 years, and had led research teams to various unstudied reefs across the country.
The academy said the DLSU professor and marine ecologist had just completed a project funded by the DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Research Development and which reassessed the status of coral reefs nationwide.
NAST Director Luningning Domingo told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday Licuanan still needs to send a proposal, and this proposal has to be endorsed by NAST and be approved by proper authorities before he could actually get the PHP1 million grant.
“The difference is that the slot for that funding was already reserved for him. Unlike for other researchers who will be sending proposals, there is no guarantee that their proposals could be approved,” she explained.
“I am thankful for NAST’s support for our scientists and researchers, and for recognizing their efforts to protect and conserve our environment,” De la Peña added.
Domingo said the NAST Environmental Science Award has been there for about 16 years now. “Nominations should focus on the science and technology in the environment, and must create an impact to the community,” she noted.
The head of institutions can nominate for this award, Domingo added. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)
