Twin awardees for DOST environmental science tilt

A MARINE biologist and an environmental manager tied for the prestigious National Academy Of Science and Technology (NAST)-Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award, an annual event that recognizes outstanding scientific and technological research works on environmental protection and conservation. This would also be the first time that there will be two recipients of the NAST-Hugh Greenwood Award, which normally has recognized one scientist every year for the last seven years. Vertebrate ecologist and pest management scientist Dr. Pacencia Milan and marine biologist Dr. Marie Antonette Menez were awarded by the Department of Science and Technology-NAST on April 11 at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. Both received $500 and a trophy. Milan's work involved several programs she started, which include the Rainforestation Farming Approach, the Small Islands Environmental Rehabilitation and Livelihood Program, and the Marine Turtles on Philippine Island Project. Under all these programs, Milan was able to organize farmers and cooperatives in areas where she implemented these, as well as sustain the involvement of people in the protection and rehabilitation of destroyed forests. Milan conducted several seminars and training events for farming and fishery beneficiaries to help them manage their own resources. Meanwhile, Menez's work was on coastal ecosystem management and governance. She also headed conservation programs for commercially sold invertebrates, such as sea urchins and lobster species, as well as the protection of sea turtles. Like Milan, Menez also worked with members of fishing communities along coastal towns to help them in conservation efforts. She also gave fishermen some training on restocking of commercial invertebrates, which increased their yields while maintaining the population of the animals. Both Menez and Milan have won several awards and citations for their work. Among these are the Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service, Outstanding Young Scientist, and the University of the Philippines Scientific Productivity Award for Menez. Milan has won the PANTAS Award for Outstanding Research Administrator-Region 8, Environmental Science Award, Regional Research Administrator Award, Outstanding Educator, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Meritorious Award-Region 8.