Dr. Damasa “Demi” M. Macandog, Professor in the Environmental Biology Division (EBD) of the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS) was conferred as the 2021 National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Achievement Awardee in Biological Sciences last March 15, 2022 for her significant contribution in the field of sustainable management of ecosystem. The conferment of the award was one of the highlights of the NRCP Annual Scientific Conference and 89th General Membership Assembly with the theme, Digital Transformation in Research: Powers and Perils.

Dr. Macandog has multidisciplinary research work that addresses global and timely environmental issues on sustainable management and ecosystem development. In her several years of service in IBS, she has already received various local and international awards for her dedication and excellence in teaching and active involvement in research and public service. She is a recipient of the 2021 UPLB Alumni Association Achievement Award, University of New England’s 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award, NAST- Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Award in 2014, NAST Outstanding Young Scientist Award in Botany in 1997, 2008 Philippine Soil Science Society and Technology, Inc. Achievement Award, UPLB 2007 Most Outstanding Researcher Award and numerous UP awards including UP Scientific Productivity System since 2009, a string of UP Professorial awards including the OneUP Professorial Chair in Plant Ecology, and several International Publication Awards.

— JG Campang