The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) will present citation awards to Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and Dr. Louella Rowena A. de Jesus of the Regional Field Unit (RFU) IV-B MIMAROPA RIARC as R&D Achievers during the 20th National Research Symposium (NRS) awarding ceremonies on 3 October 2008 at the BSWM, Elliptical Road Corner Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap and Rep. Salvador H. Escudero III of the 1st District of Sorsogon, to be assisted by BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar and Asst. Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy, will award the plaques.

Dr. Cuevas, a dedicated professor for 34 years at the Environmental Division, Institute of Biological Sciences of UPLB specializing on plant and fungal ecology, is one of the Ten Outstanding Teachers of the Philippines for 2008 awarded by the Metrobank Foundation. The award-giving body was established to uplift the culture of excellence in education. Cuevas received a gold medal under the higher education category.

Cuevas was recognized in her studies in agricultural biotechnologies on rapid composting technology and the Trichoderma.

BAR supported a study on the efficacy of Trichoderma as a biological control agent of damping-off disease in lowland vegetables. The generated technologies have resulted in decreasing the dependence on agricultural inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticide by farmers.

Dr. de Jesus, another R&D achiever, is this year's GAWAD SAKA Outstanding Agricultural Scientist. GAWAD SAKA was established to give recognition to scientists and researchers with outstanding accomplishments in agriculture and fishery researches.

She pioneered research on the biology, behavior, ecology, and control of the quarantined pest, mango pulp weevil (Sternochetus frigidus). Her study resulted in the decrease in mango pulp weevil infestation in mango-growing areas of the country. Her study considerably uplifted the socioeconomic conditions of Palawan mango growers, hence, saving the mango industry.

Cuevas was also a recipient of the Lingkod Bayan Presidential award and the Ten Outstanding Young Scientists award. Dr. Jesus now serves as the RIARC Manager for Region IV-B since October 2007.