Two graduates of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School (USTGS) Dr. Jonel P. Saludes and Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, received the Gregorio Zara award at a ceremony held during the 69th Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST) Convention organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The theme for the 2020 Annual meeting was “Science, Technology and Innovation as Drivers of Growth in the Regions.” This year’s convention was livestreamed via DOSTph Facebook from September 9 to 11, 2020.
In recognition of his contribution to the chemical biology of natural products from organisms and synthetic peptides for the detection of nanoparticles taking part in cell signaling and cancer metastasis, Dr. Jonel P. Saludes was awarded the 2020 Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Basic Science. Saludes graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2000 with a degree in MS Chemistry. He is currently a Professor of Chemistry and Associate Vice President – Office of the Research and Global Relations of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.
Meanwhile, Department of Science and Technology–Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, is this year’s recipient of the 2020 Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Applied Science.
Briones is known for her role in the development of mosquito ovicidal/larvicidal trap system eventually helping in the reduction of Dengue cases in the country. She is also responsible for the design and prototyping of salt-processing equipment that included an evaporator set-up, washer, and iodizer which assisted the MSMEs to provide adequate supply of iodized salt that complied with the ASIN Law. She also conducted studies on utilization of carrageenan in drug and gene delivery systems serving as anti-bacterial coating for biomaterial surface. Briones earned her MS in Chemistry degree in 1993.
