The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is the Philippines’ premier science academy whose members are the men and women of science in the country. Every year, the academy recognizes Filipino scientists who contributed significantly to the advancement of science and technology. This 2012, three members of PAM and/or PSM was honoured with NAST awards.

Prof. Virginia C. Cuevas, Ph.D. of the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines – Los Baños received the NAST – Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science award in recognition of her significant contributions to environment protection and conservation. She developed composting technologies that help attain agricultural sustainability and for the rehabilitation of agricultural lands damaged by mine tailings. Dr. Cuevas is an active member of the Philippine Society of Microbiology (PSM) and a fellow of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM).

NAST also awards this year its most prestigious award for young scientists, the Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) award. A member of PSM, Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio of the University of the Philippines – Manila is a recipient of NAST-OYS award in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology. This is in recognition of her significant researches on the human microbiome and on probiotics. Another PSM member also receives the NAST OYS award. Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz of Department of Biological Sciences, University of Santo Tomas is recognized for his significant contributions in the study of fungal taxonomy, diversity, ecology, and natural products in the country. He was awarded the NAST OYS in the field of mycology. Dr. dela Cruz is presently the Division Representative – Environmental Microbiology of the Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) and a fellow of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM). He is also currently the secretary of the PAM Council of Regents.