NEWS | GeneSoc alumni, honorary member newly elected as NAST-PHL members

Dr. Leodevico L. Ilag and Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria were recognized as newly elected members of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST-PHL) during the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting held last July 13, 2023, via Zoom. Dr. Ilag (Charter) and Dr. De Ungria (Honorary Member) were honored as Corresponding Member and Academician for their outstanding contributions to agriculture biotechnology and forensic science, respectively.

NAST Corresponding Member Dr. Ilag holds a doctoral degree (PhD) in Microbiology and Immunology, dedicating more than 25 years of research work towards their applications in biotechnology. His extensive research led to the development of biologics and dietary ingredients with major applications in addressing cardiovascular and infectious diseases. As a virologist for more than two decades, Dr. Ilag has several patents under his name and has authored more than thirty publications on virology and immunology in peer-reviewed international journals.

NAST Academician Dr. De Ungria has a doctorate (PhD) in Microbiology and is well-known for her pioneering research in forensic DNA technology in the Philippines. Her scholarly works served as a tool for human identification in criminal investigation and aided in the promulgation of the Supreme Court Rule on DNA evidence that is now enacted by all trial courts in the country. Dr. De Ungria holds the rank of Career Scientist IV in the Scientific Career System of the Department of Science and Technology and the Civil Service Commission. Currently, she is the director of the Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics at the Philippine Genome Center. 

About NAST-PHL

Established in 1976, the NAST-Philippines is mandated to recognize exemplary achievements and innovations in science and technology and to serve as the highest advisory body to the President on policies concerning science and technology in the country. Members of the Filipino scientific community forward nominees for membership to NAST-PHL. Current NAST-PHL members deliberate on the membership of a scientist to enter the Academy.