A Filipina Scientist Wins Award in Paris
A Filipina marine scientist no other than Prof. Lourdes Cruz formerly of the University of the Philippines, was globally recognized for her contribution in the field of science and technology.
Professor Lourdes Cruz was the only awardee from Asia-Pacific. She was one of the 5 women scientists who were honored in the prestigious 12th Annual L’Oreal-Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) awards for women in science at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.
Before her retirement last year, Prof. Cruz was a bio-chemist at the University of the Philippines Marine Institute.
The other 4 awardees for this year are from the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa and Arab states.
Prof. Cruz was recognized for developing and converting toxins emanating from marine snails and sea shells into pain-killer drugs used for those afflicted with cancer, epilepsy and brain disorder.
She was also cited for actively helping indigenous tribes, particularly the Aetas in Bataan province.
Prof. Cruz shares her vast knowledge in science with the rural communities in mobilizing livelihood projects and education which conform with their cultural norm.
The 18-member L’Oreal-UNESCO Awards jury was headed by German Doctor Gunter Blobel, 1999 Nobel Prize Winner for medicine.
For her US$100,000 award, Prof. Cruz will use the money to buy a piece of land to serve as a new base for her rural livelihood incubator program for the Aetas.
With reports from:
Danny Buenafe, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau, Chief
A native of Cavinti, Lucila C. Oblena spent all her working years as an educator, beginning as a classroom teacher in 1944, then a Guidance Counselor and retired as a school Principal. She is also the founder of CLOTA (Cavinti Laguna Overseas Teachers Association). She is the Editor of Tipakan.com (Cavinti Diaspora).
