For any academic institution, nothing compares to seeing its alumni reap the fruits from the seeds that it has sown. The University of the Philippines (UP) takes this pride as it recognizes one of its outstanding alumni for his contribution in the country’s development through science and technology (S&T).
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) Acting Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora has been honored with the 2016 UP Alumni Association (UPAA) Distinguished Alumnus Award in Science and Technology (Biotechnology).
Conferred on June 25, 2016 at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni, U.P. Diliman campus, the award embodies Dr. Ebora’s achievements during his stint at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) as its deputy director in 1996, acting director in 1999 to 2000, and director in 2010 to January 2015.
Distinguished alumni awards are accorded to deserving alumni based on their service orientation, leadership, impact, and integrity. The awardees should have demonstrated, in their chosen field of endeavor, exceptional achievements and outstanding contributions, that bring about substantial benefits to society and distinct honor to the University.
Dr. Ebora has presented numerous scientific and technical papers on biotechnology R&D in agriculture and its relevance to the lives of the Filipino people in various local and international conferences and workshops.
Articulating the scientist in him, particularly in the need to address basic human consumption concerns such as food, Dr. Ebora was part of the team that has developed several technologies, which were protected either by patents or trademarks. These intellectual properties include the E. coli DAS kit and the Salmonella DAS kit for the detection of the E. coli and Salmonella in food, water, beverage, and feeds.
In February 2015, Dr. Ebora accepted the challenge of leading PCAARRD and providing S&T directions to the country’s research and development, particularly for the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sectors.