GeneSoc alum, NAST-PHL Academician receives 2022 UPAA Distinguished Achievement Award in Science and Technology

by Allen Malabayabas | Reprimo 

GeneSoc alumnus and Academician Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST-PHL) was hailed as a recipient of the 2022 UPAA Distinguished Achievement Award in Science and Technology (Agriculture-Plant Breeding and Stress Tolerance).

On October 10, during their 109th year, The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) recognized Dr. Gregorio’s valuable contributions to genetics and breeding for his work on rice salinity tolerance and related abiotic stresses.

 

In about three decades of his dedicated career at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dr. Gregorio specialized in plant breeding focusing on rice tolerance to saline-prone and problematic soils. He developed the pioneer variety of salt-tolerant rice in the Philippines, which expanded to other countries in Asia and Africa.

 

He successfully carried out rapid screening techniques that aided in the fast-tracked identification and development of salt-tolerant germplasm and breeding lines. These are now being adopted by various research institutions in the Philippines and other countries around the globe, in their efforts to develop climate change-ready rice varieties.

 

The distinguished Dr. Gregorio recently conferred the Academician rank as a NAST-PHL member in 2018.

 

Other prestigious recognitions that Dr. Gregorio received are: Ten Outstanding Youth Scientists of the Philippines (TOYS) (1980); Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) in the field of Genetics (2004); Crop Science Society of the Philippines Achievement Award for Crop Science Research (2004); Honorary Foreign Scientist Award at the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Korea (2002-2005); The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines (2004); Ho Chi Minh Medal for "Having Great Contribution to the cause of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam" (2012); Crop Science Society of the Philippines Achievement Award in Research Management (2014), and the Honorary Fellow of the same Society (2019).

 

The UPAA Distinguished Achievement Alumni Award is given to distinguished UP alumni for their outstanding achievements that bring honor and recognition to their Alma Mater and to the country.