Her outstanding and significant contributions and research projects in environmental conservation and protection led to Dr. Emilyn Q. Espiritu of Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) winning this year’s NAST Environmental Science Award (NESA) given by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Among a number of other outstanding finalists, Dr. Espiritu was chosen with her winning entry entitled “Assessment of quantity and quality of microplastics in the sediments, waters, oysters, and selected fish species in key site along the Bombong Estuary and coastal waters of Ticalan in San Juan, Batangas”.
Dr. Espiritu, a pioneer in the field of Ecotoxicology in the country, is a known expert in water quality and water pollution, and for her studies on different environment pollutants, particularly microplastics. Her works have raise awareness and insights on environment pollutants and its effect to the environment.
Dr. Espiritu is currently a Professor at the Environmental Science Department, School of Science & Engineering, ADMU and has been teaching since 1995. She was awarded the Metrobank Outstanding Teachers (Higher Education Category) by Metrobank Foundation in 2013.
As NESA winner, Dr. Espiritu will receive a plaque and Php150,000 cash incentive from NAST and Php 2 Million research grant from the Department of Science and Technology for an approved proposal.
Also to be awarded are the NESA special citation awardees, Dr. Ian Navarrete and Dr. Anthony S.F. Chiu. Dr. Navarrete is recognized for his research entry entitled “The role of reactive iron in long-term carbon sequestration in mangrove sediments: Implications on blue carbon estimates in Philippine mangroves”, while Dr. Chiu is recognized for his entry entitled “Resource efficiency of the Philippine economy: A material flow accounting perspective (1955-2016)”. They will both receive a plaque and Php 10,000 cash incentive.
The awarding ceremony will be held on July 2020 during the NAST Annual Scientific Meeting together with other NAST Awards.
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