7 Innovators Honored at Idlab Awards

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Seven researchers and innovators from the academe were recognized for their significant scientific contributions by the Department of Science and Technology Western Visayas (DOST-6) and the Regional Development Council (RDC-6).

Launched in 2022, the Idlab Awards aim to acknowledge researchers, engineers, and innovators whose work in science and technology advances various sectors in the region.

The awards cover four main sectors: basic research, agriculture, aquaculture, natural resources, industry and emerging technology, and health.

Although no major awardees were named this year, seven merit awardees were honored for their noteworthy research and development outputs.

“We don’t have major awardees under our four categories, but we do have seven that we consider as merit awardees. Although they haven’t reached the accomplishments we expect for major awards, they have generated a lot of research and development outputs that are significant,” said DOST-6 Director Rowen Gelonga in an interview with Daily Guardian.

One of the parameters for a major award is the transformation of research and development outputs into actual technologies that benefit communities.

The second edition of the biennial awarding ceremony took place at the Iloilo Convention Center on Thursday, December 5.

This year’s Merit Awardees include:

• Dr. Maryneth Barrios of Capiz State University
• Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols of the University of the Philippines Visayas
• Dr. Rhea Joy Flora of Guimaras State University
• Dr. Renerio Mucas of Iloilo Science and Technology University
• Dr. Jescel Bito-onon of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology
• Dr. Mae Flor Posadas of Central Philippine State University
• Dr. Anabelle Villaceran of the State University of Northern Negros

“Hopefully, through this recognition, they will be encouraged to pursue more research and development projects that create an impact not only in Western Visayas but also in other parts of the country, and encourage others to do the same,” Gelonga added.

Unlike the first edition, the 2024 awards focus not only on research accomplishments but also on the practical application of research outputs in real-world settings, Gelonga noted.

The merit award includes a cash prize of PHP 9,000, but the primary benefit is the recognition from RDC-6, a key policy-making body in the region.