Nothing can make an alma mater prouder than to have an alumnus who has reaped the seeds that the institution has sown.
Thus, the University of the Philippines (UP) is honoring Dr. Patricio S. Faylon with the 2012 UP Alumni Association (UPAA) Most Distinguished Alumni Award for S&T (science and technology).
The award embodies Faylon’s achievements in his leadership of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), which spans more than a decade. For instance, he has led the then Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (now PCAARRD) in obtaining the ISO 9001:2008 certification, as well as the Philippine Quality Award.
Dr. Faylon is also an expert in generating resources for the national agriculture R&D (research and development) system, having extensive linkages with international and local organizations in both private and government sectors.
Further, through Faylon, PCAARRD has gained the trust of international partners like the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Rural Development Administration, and Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutes.
One of the most significant accomplishments of Dr. Faylon is helping establish the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) as a platform for R&D results utilization and transfer.
TGP provides the framework for a more effective and sustainable strategy for bringing the much-needed information and technologies to the countryside.
In addition to these achievements, Dr. Faylon was also instrumental in the crafting, approval, and dissemination of the Technology Transfer Act. The Act is a breakthrough for researchers and their works that are funded by the government.
The UPAA award was based on the following criteria: service orientation, leadership, impact, and integrity. It is given to UP alumni/alumnae who 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.
Faylon will be conferred the award on June 23 at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman Campus in Quezon City.