Dr. Rohit C. Tilwani is a distinguished Special Science Teacher V and the current Research Unit Head at the Philippine Science High School–Central Luzon Campus, where he has served since 2012. A licensed chemist and a cum laude graduate of BS Chemistry, he also holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Mapúa University and a Diploma in Science Education from Aichi University of Education in Japan as a MEXT scholar. Throughout his tenure within the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), he has occupied significant leadership roles, including Chief of the Curriculum and Instruction Division from 2020 to 2022, and he currently serves as a part-time Associate Professor III at National University – Clark Campus. His extensive academic contributions include publishing research on nanocomposite hydrogels and cellulose-based materials in international journals, as well as presenting his research findings at global conferences. Recognized for his excellence, he has received the NAST Intellectual Property Award and was featured as a “Bayaning Chemist” in 2020 for his initiatives as a frontliner during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the classroom, he frequently serves as a resource speaker and judge for international scientific fora and has coached students for the International Chemistry Olympiad, demonstrating a career-long commitment to advancing chemistry education and scientific research.

Dr. Joel R. Salazar is a Professor VI at Central Luzon State University (CLSU), serving as a senior faculty member under the Department of Chemistry of the College of Science. Recognized for over 35 years of excellent service to chemistry education, he has contributed to redefining the standards of science instruction through a career dedicated to pedagogical excellence, scholarly research, and transformative institutional initiatives.   

Dr. Salazar earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from CLSU in 1991, later earning both his Master of Science in Chemistry in 2006 and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines – Diliman in 2012. As a CHED Sandwich Program Scholar, he conducted his dissertation research at the National Central University and National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, further strengthening his expertise in advanced chemical research and international scientific collaboration.

Dr. Salazar maintains a comprehensive teaching portfolio in the chemical sciences, offering both core and advanced instruction in Physical, Analytical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. As an academic strategist, he has led CLSU’s participation in the Philippine Consortium for Science, Mathematics and Technology (PCSMT) Annual Quiz from 1993 to 1999, securing consecutive championship victories that culminated in Hall of Fame recognition in the Chemistry category.  This culture of excellence was sustained as he continued to guide student delegations to the PACSiklaban National Chemistry Quiz from 1995 to 2017 where they often qualify to the final rounds. Beyond competitive achievements, Dr. Salazar has strengthened the professional standing of CLSU chemistry graduates through decades of service as Coordinator and Reviewer for the Chemists Licensure Examination, hence contributing to the improved institutional performance and the consistent production of high-performing chemistry graduates.

A strong advocate of innovative chemistry education, Dr. Salazar was among the key proponents of the ladderized BS Chemistry curriculum at the University, which expanded academic and professional pathways in Chemical Technology and Chemistry. He likewise played a vital role in sustaining the Program’s Level IV accreditation under the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), reflecting his commitment to continuous quality improvement in curriculum development and institutional quality assurance.

An accomplished researcher and innovator in nanomaterials and analytical chemistry, Dr. Salazar is one of the inventors of the patented Method and Kit to Detect Tilapia Representative Bacterial Pathogen, a contribution that advances aquaculture health and food safety. His scholarly works, published in reputable Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus-indexed international journals, extend knowledge in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and agricultural applications, linking fundamental research with practical scientific innovation.

Through decades of professional practice, Dr. Salazar has distinguished himself as an educator, researcher, innovator, and academic leader, advancing scientific inquiry and transformative instruction in the chemical sciences. He continues to shape future chemists and uphold excellence in tertiary education.

Donnabel Kuizon Cruz is the President and CEO of Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., the natural gas exploration and development company of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., the infrastructure arm of the Razon Group. She leads the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project Phase 4 while driving the company’s expansion and diversification strategy.

With more than 23 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Donna has led transformational initiatives in profitability, operational capability, and organizational culture through partnerships across the public and private sectors.

She began her career with Shell Philippines, where she led a refinery power transition project that shifted operations from diesel to natural gas, generating approximately USD 15 million in annual value improvement. She later held regional and global leadership roles with Shell Global Solutions and Shell International Exploration and Production in Malaysia and Netherlands, supporting cumulative business improvements exceeding USD130 million, overseeing operations contributing more than USD4 billion in annual revenue, and helping advance decarbonization and organizational transformation initiatives.

Donna graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Chemistry from the University of Santo Tomas and topped the 2000 National Chemistry Licensure Examination. She is also the first female head of Prime Energy.

A strong advocate of servant leadership, Donna believes that energy security is fundamental to national development and that purposeful leadership can create meaningful impact for communities, industries, and future generations.

The PFCS Outstanding Achievement Award in Chemical Research is awarded to Dr. Jose Isagani B. Janairo, RCh for his significant contributions to the chemical sciences through the systematic integration of peptide chemistry, molecular machine learning, and chemical ecology. Dr. Janairo is recognized for his refined approach to decoding the molecular information inherent in biological systems. By employing data-driven methodologies, he has advanced the application of molecular intelligence to understand peptide behavior and the chemical signals that define ecological relationships. This award honors his consistent scholarly productivity and his ability to utilize computational and experimental tools to address environmental and agricultural challenges, contributing to the steady advancement of chemical research in the Philippines.

Dr. Janairo is a Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at De La Salle University. He earned his BS Biochemistry (cum laude) and MS Chemistry from De La Salle University, and his PhD in Chemical Science from Hokkaido University as a Japanese Government Scholar. His academic excellence is marked by prestigious recognitions, such as the NAST Outstanding Young Scientist and the St. Jean Baptiste De La Salle Pillar of Excellence Award. Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Janairo’s advocacy as a scientist is centered on active editorial service as a catalyst for institutional growth. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the NRCP Research Journal and as Associate Editor for several international journals, including BMC Artificial Intelligence, PeerJ, and Network Modeling Analysis in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics. Through these roles, he champions ethical publishing, editorial governance, and high-integrity standards, viewing the editorial process as a critical tool for shaping the discipline and elevating the quality of Philippine research and graduate education. By bridging the gap between molecular intelligence and scholarly stewardship, Dr. Janairo’s contributions continue to shape the landscape of digital chemistry and the future of open, ethical scientific discourse.

Jo’s passion for chemistry started with her chemist-father, Salvador J. Sonquit RCh. who is her hero. For five decades and counting, her affinity turned passion for the chemistry profession has encompassed and impacted a multitude of industries, research, and academic institutions. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree at the Western Institute of Technology – Iloilo City graduating With High Honors and with Highest Distinction in Chemistry. As validation for such academic feat, she ranked first in the 1984 Chemistry Licensure Examination.

Jo is hardwork and excellence personified throughout her professional career. She worked her way through college with a full scholarship and as a laboratory student assistant. In her final collegiate year, she worked as an organic fertilizer analyst under the tutelage of a private chemist. After graduation, she worked as Instructor in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. Upon moving to Negros Occidental in the year 1985, she worked for Victorias Milling Company, Inc. from 1985 to 2007 progressing through roles as teacher, quality control/quality assurance supervisor in the raw and refined sugar plants, research/development supervisor, and finally as Lead Auditor of the ISO Internal Quality Audit. In the year 2007, she joined San Carlos Bioenergy, Inc. as Chief Chemist/ Quality Assurance Department Manager overseeing the growth of the bioethanol plant from construction, commissioning, until its operational stage. She formally retired last 2019 but continued working for the next 3 years as consultant to another alcohol plant, KOOLL Company, Inc. in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Life after retiring from the industry has rekindled Jo’s covalent bond with the teaching profession. At present, she is a part-time Assistant Professor of the B.S. Chemistry program of the state-run Technological University of the Philippines in the Visayas. She continues to accept consultancy work from various sugar and bioethanol industries further cementing her legacy of excellence and service for the chemistry profession.

Jo is happiest when doing activities involved in outside organizations like ICP and PHILSUTECH (Philippine Sugar Technologists Association). These communal and social activities significantly contribute to a meaningful life by enhancing/ completing her over-all well-being, aside from fostering social connections, making her aware of life at large. Through these outside organizations, she has authored more than 30 technical papers and is the recipient of awards, including 3-time awardee for Technical Papers presented at the annual PHILSUTECH National Conventions, 2016 Excellence Award from Roxas Holdings Inc., 2017 Outstanding Alumni Award from Western Institute of Technology, 2018 Service Award from San Carlos Bioenergy Inc., and in 2022, was the first Outstanding PHILSUTECH Member Awardee.

At present, she is the Ex-Officio Officer of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines – Negros Island Chapter, of which she holds membership for many years, as well as being chapter vice-president for 10 years. She is still a member of the Philippine Sugar Technologists Association (PHILSUTECH), holding positions as VP and Director of the Bioenergy and Environmental Management Division in 2012-2014. Today, she chairs various committees as the Committee on Academe and Proceedings and the Convention Selection of Outstanding Member.

She was married and has 2 children. The eldest, Benedicto Jr., works as area manager for a pest control company. The younger son, Salvador, is a practicing physician in internal medicine.

Janet Z. Marcellana is a seasoned technical professional with nearly three decades of experience in the oil industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines and is a licensed chemist. Janet has built a robust career at Shell Pilipinas Corporation, where she currently serves as an Application Advisor for Asia and Product Regulatory Lead.

In 2023, Janet played a key role in Shell Bitumen FreshAir’s success in the Philippines at the Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards, where it won the Silver Stevie® for Innovation in Product Design and Development. This innovative product developed by the Global R&D reduces emissions by an average of 40% during mixing and paving, significantly improving local air quality.

Janet’s career at Shell has seen her in various roles that ensures compliance with product quality and product stewardship standards, manages customer complaints, and supports regulatory requirements. Janet has led significant initiatives, including the Plastics to Road project, which aligns with the company’s sustainability goals. She also has substantial experience in leading decarbonization projects/initiatives that supports the business strategy and addresses the customer needs on their journey to net zero. She has been instrumental in implementing the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labeling and has worked closely with chemical industry and regulatory bodies to advocate for sound, science-based regulations.

Janet is actively involved in industry associations such as the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines and the Chemical Industries Association of the Philippines (SPIK). She has held various leadership positions within SPIK and has participated in international forums to promote regulatory alignment in the ASEAN region.

Throughout her career, Janet has demonstrated a strong ability to collaborate with stakeholders, provide technical expertise, and advocate for innovative solutions. Her dedication to excellence and her passion made her a respected figure in the industry.

Dr. Jonel Saludes earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from University of San Agustin and MS Chemistry from University of Santo Tomas major in natural products under the supervision of Dr. Alicia Aguinaldo and the current IUPAC President-Elect Dr. Mary Garson. At University of California, he earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry and demonstrated the structure of novel peptides that serve as marker of human cancers using 600 MHz cryoprobe NMR. He pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in chemical biology at University of Colorado, where he investigated protein-protein interactions in viral infection using 800 MHz cryoprobe NMR, as well as created synthetic peptides that detect extracellular vesicles involved in cell signaling. He pursued an independent academic career at Washington State University, where he developed SialoPen^TM, a new generation of cell penetrating peptides using a sugar amino acid backbone.

In 2015, he returned to the Philippines as a Balik Scientist and is currently a Professor of Chemistry and the Vice President for Research and Global Relations at University of San Agustin in Iloilo City. He is also the Director of the Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3) and pursues research programs in cell signaling to understand inflammatory diseases, antibiotic drug discovery, and development of agricultural commodities into standardized commercial products such as pineapple, molasses, tawatawa, honey, and kadios. In partnership with Pharma GalenX based in Jaro, Iloilo City, he helped develop the FDA-registered skin pharmaceutical products with antibiotic properties, branded as HONELLE and SKIVIOS, that are now sold in pharmacies and online platforms nationwide. His leadership established 5 world-class research centers, namely C2B2, CANMEET, CFI, CHIC, and CND3, to help address pressing societal issues in health and wellness, Filipino heritage and indigenous peoples, data analytics, and nanotechnology for environmental problems. In May 2022, he established the first and only cryoprobe NMR facility in the Philippines, the USA DOST-PCHRD Tuklas Lunas NMR Laboratory Visayas. On January 10, 2025, Dr. Saludes opened the country’s one-and-only DOST NICER in Functional Food called KNIF₂E, the Kasanggang NICER In Functional Food Excellence, dedicated to the valorization of agricultural commodities into high value products using the power of chemistry and biology research interface.

In 2021, Dr. Saludes was recognized as one of the Top 100 Asian Scientists, the PRC Outstanding Professional of the Year in Chemistry, and the PNHRS Best Mentor in Health Research. In November 2024, Dr. Saludes was awarded the Outstanding Science Administrator Award (Dioscoro Umali Medal) by the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Marilou G. Nicolas, Ph.D. is a retired professor in Biochemistry at the University of the Philippines Manila.  Her career in chemistry started upon completion of her undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1974.  Recognizing that chemistry is the foundational science of life, she proceeded to further her career in the biomolecular sciences, graduating with a Masters degree in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.  In 1996, she, together with colleagues at the Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, established the B.S. Biochemistry programme.  The programme was designed to develop human resources capable of recognizing the importance of understanding the chemical foundations of the processes that govern life.  

Throughout her teaching career she pushed for the continued improvement of the biochemistry curriculum through reviews using quality assurance tools. She presented the outcomes of such reviews and improvement in various national and international fora culminating in a co-authored publication in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, an IUBMB journal. She has received various awards for education, including “Outstanding Teacher of the University of the Philippines Manila” in 1997 and 2007, Outstanding contribution to Biochemical Education in 2004 by the UP Preparatory High School Alumni Association and the Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Award for Education in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2005. She had mentored students in research by training and engaging them in several government-funded research that established a small natural products laboratory at the College of Arts and Sciences, UP Manila.  Despite involvement in various administrative positions for a span of 20 years, she continued to engage in both teaching and research with major publications on research on eye diseases including macular degeneration and those of infectious aetiology as well as on natural products for targeted diseases and health maintenance.  Some of these publications were co-authored by student mentees and established biochemistry as tools of the health sciences.