The Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS) will award five outstanding individuals in recognition of their contributions to chemistry in the upcoming 32nd Philippine Chemistry Congress.
The awards are given under four categories: Chemistry Education, Chemical Research, Chemical Industry and Service to the Chemistry Profession. These awards aim to inspire the youth to take up chemistry and to recognize the outstanding contribution of chemists toward the development of the discipline and the society.
The 2017 Achievement Awards committee is chaired by Dr. Armando M. Guidote, Jr. (PFCS) with Dr. Jose M. Andaya (PACT), Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit (ICP) and Dr. Fortunato B. Sevilla III (KKP) as committee members. Some of the Achievement Awards are co-presented by Shimadzu Philippines Corporation and United Laboratories, Inc.
The 2017 PFCS Achievement Awardees are as follows:
Janeth Morata-Fuentes (Chemistry Education, Secondary Level)
Janeth Morata-Fuentes is a special science teacher at the Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus in Palo, Leyte. She teaches Chemistry and handles Science & Technology Research. She graduated from the University of the Philippines—Diliman with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education (Chemistry). She took her Master of Education (Teaching and Curriculum Studies) at the University of Sydney (New South Wales, Australia) where she graduated with merit. She is currently a PhD (Chemistry Education) student at the UP Open University.
Ramon S. del Fierro, PhD (Chemistry Education, Tertiary Level)
(Co-presented with United Laboratories, Inc.)
Dr. Ramon Del Fierro is currently an Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry at University of San Carlos, Cebu City. His expertise and research interests include Natural products Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Toxicology, Bioassays, Chemical Education, and Educational Administration and Leadership.
Mark Valentine P. Balanay (Chemical Industry)
(Co-presented with Shimadzu Philippines Corporation)
Mark Balanay used his chemical knowledge and skills to become a leader in Philippine Sinter Corporation, a major corporation in Cagayan de Oro. He has engaged in a wide range of activities, including operation & production, analytical laboratory management, research & quality assurance, and human resource management. He is also the company’s lead auditor for ISO 14001 & ISO 9001. Mark has likewise used his skills to guide and build up the chemistry community in northern Mindanao into an active and responsive organization. This mix of experience, competencies, and commitment, including his dynamic interface with government, academe, industry, and scientific associations, makes him a well-rounded leader.
Maribel G. Nonato, PhD (Chemical Research)
(Co-presented with Shimadzu Philippines Corporation)
Dr. Maribel Nonato obtained her doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry with specialization in Natural Products Chemistry from the University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia in 1993. Upon her return to the University of Santo Tomas, Dr. Nonato resumed her research activities at the Research Center for the Natural Sciences (RCNS) where she pioneered research on the Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Philippine grown species of the Genus Pandanus (Family Pandanaceae). She is currently the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), first female and lay person to assume the post since September 2014. She had served the University of Santo Tomas as an administrator in different capacities: Director of Research Center for the Natural Sciences, acting Assistant to the Rector for Research and Development, Dean of the College of Science and Assistant to the Rector for Research and Innovation.
Marissa G. Noel, PhD (Service to the Chemistry Profession)
Dr. Marissa Noel has long been quietly working to the benefit of the Philippine Chemistry Community. She has been a regular member of organizing committees of the Philippine Chemistry Congress and most notably, has been an indispensable and trusted organizer to whom industry partners and exhibitors flock. She efficiently headed the Ways and Means Committee of many local and international PCCs since 2001 while capitalizing on her reputation to influence industry people, raise funds and generate income for the PCC. Likewise, she also rendered similar services to the Natural Product Society of the Philippines (NPSP). She sat on the organizing committee of several NPSP National Conferences and was the lead local organizer/host of the December 2013 conference held at DLSU. She is instrumental to the ratification of the Chemistry Law. Marissa, together with siblings Representative Victoria Isabel G. Noel and Former Representative Florencio Gabriel G. Noel, helped the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) and the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS) by liaising and lobbying for the Chemistry Profession Act in the Philippine Congress and Senate. After years of lobbying, dogged persistence and monitoring, the Chemistry Profession Act was signed into law by the Philippine President in 2015. The new Chemistry Law regulates, modernizes and protects the practice of the Chemistry profession in the Philippines.