TWO Thomasian researchers were awarded at the 75th national convention of the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science, Technology, and Innovation (PhilAASTI).
Asst. Prof. Allan Gilles Jr. and Assoc. Prof. Beatriz Belmonte of the UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) were recognized along with eight other researchers.
Gilles, a biology professor, won the Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Basic Research for his work “Onsite Water Nutrient Analysis at Ormoc Bay, Leyte,” which covered marine protected areas, invasive freshwater fish, critical habitats, lakes, and watersheds.
PhilAASTI said Gilles “substantially deepened scientific understanding of biological invasions in tropical freshwater ecosystems” and applied evidence-based tools that “inform biodiversity conservation, guide fisheries management, and shape environmental policy”.
For Gilles, the recognition is “both an honor and a responsibility.”
“I share this award with my mentors, colleagues, collaborators, students, family, and the University of Santo Tomas for all the support and for inspiring me to continue doing science that matters,” Gilles said in an online post.
In 2014, Gilles finished his bachelor’s degree in biology at Laguna State Polytechnic University.
He completed his master’s degree in 2019 and doctorate in 2024, both in UST.
He serves as a technical consultant at the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), focusing on improving risk assessment for fish species introduced into inland waters nationwide.
He teaches ecology, freshwater and marine biology, ecological techniques, genetics, and environmental science at the University.
The Gregorio Y. Zara Award is conferred on Filipino scientists and researchers for contributions to science and technology.
Belmonte, a chemical engineering professor, was named the 2026 Dr. Michel R.I. Purvis Awardee for Sustainability Research, for her work on carbon management.
PhilAASTI recognized Belmonte as a “significant contributor” to sustainability science, particularly in developing systems-based approaches for biochar, carbon management, and negative-emissions technologies.
Her research focuses on biochar, a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal produced by heating biomass and agricultural waste.
She has also published studies on systems that use computer models to evaluate the potential of biochar as a soil enhancer for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Belmonte told the Varsitarian that she did not expect her research to be seen as “meaningful and relevant.”
“[The recognition] reminded me that the challenges we face in sustainability are worth pursuing, even when research can be difficult, and progress sometimes feels slow,” she said.
In 2000, Belmonte finished her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the University.
She earned her master’s and doctorate degrees at De La Salle University in 2012 and 2019, respectively.
Belmonte served as secretary of the Engineering and Industrial Research Division of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) from 2022 to 2024. She is a member of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE).
Belmonte teaches courses in chemical engineering design, particle technology, and process control and instrumentation.
The 2026 Dr. Michel R.I. Purvis Award for Sustainability Research is presented to scientists who develop innovations in solving real-world problems.
Established in 1951, PhilAASTI is a nonprofit, nonstock scholarly organization dedicated to promoting scientific advancement, research, and innovation nationwide.
The convention and awards ceremony were held on Sept. 10 at the Manila Hotel.
