The Philippine Federation of Chemical Societies, Inc. awarded Dr. Nelson Villarante the Outstanding Achievement Award for Chemical Research. Dr. Glenn V. Alea, the PFCS President, proclaimed the award to a large audience from all fields of chemistry. This news came during the closing ceremonies of the 36th Philippine Chemistry Congress last Saturday, 1 October 2022.
The award is one of four bestowed to the country’s chemists for their exceptional contributions. It seeks to encourage individuals to inspire the youth to take up chemistry. It also recognizes contributions to develop the discipline and improve society through chemistry. There are awards for education, research, industry, and service to the profession. The Chemical Research award recognizes Dr. Villarante’s most recent research and his mentorship.
Dr. Villarante, or “Doc V”, is a professor at the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics. His research includes bioremediation using natural products and organic synthesis. He teaches organic chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and natural product synthesis. He has mentored many BS Biochemistry students as their thesis advisor.
Doc V obtained his Ph.D. from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He did his post-doctorate studies at the National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan.
Colleagues were quick to bid him congratulations. Some of whom were his former students.
“Thank you sa mga kasamahan ko sa department at kolehiyo. Thank you very much sa mga students ko na mga guro na rin,” a humble response from the professor.
Written by Aaron Genato