A professor of Benguet State University was awarded as one of the Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) of the Philippines by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
Roscinto Ian Canicosa Lumbres, associate professor III of the College of Forestry and director of the Center for Geoinformatics of BSU, received a plaque and cash award along with 10 other awardees nationwide in a ceremony at the Manila Hotel on July 14.
The citation was in recognition of his pioneering researches on growth modelling of pinuskesiya (Benguet pine), a very unique forest ecosystem in the Philippines, and for his works in biodiversity and carbon stock assessment of unique forest ecosystem to better protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change through forest protection.”
Signed by NAST President Rhodora V. Azanza and NAST Secretary Jaime C. Montoya, the citation added Lumbres “fitted several models that can be used to easily determine the various parameters of the forest species, which is important in forest utilization, protection and conservation.”
The citation further stated he “assisted the Department of Agriculture in assessing the climate risk vulnerability of major crops in the Cordillera Administrative Region.”
Lumbres is involved in a research titled: “Modelling Carbon Stock Assessment: the Role of Benguet pine (Pinus kesiya) in Climate Change Mitigation” on top of his involvement in seven other researches on climate-risk vulnerability assessment, community-based flood risk management, Geographic Information System database and mapping, among others.
NAST looks at the impact of the applicant’s research, particularly on the number of citations. Lumbres has more than 190 citations.
It also considers the mentoring aspect or how research results are shared to the end user. In the case of Lumbres, he has been training local government units and other stakeholders on GIS for mapping and risk assessment and other emerging technologies, such as remote sensing and unmanned aerial vehicle.
The OYS Awards are given to young scientists who have made significant contributions to science ad technology.
Judging is based on quality and number of scientific works and publications, contributions to the advancement of science in general and science in the Philippines in particular, and contributions to the well-being of Philippine economy and culture.
Lumbres is the third BSU personnel accorded the OYS Award, the first being Dr. William D. Dar and second is Dr. Zenaida N. Ganga.
It entitles awardees membership to the OYS Incorporated, access to a P1-million research grant (subject to approval) and a cash prize of P150,000. Lumbres expressed his willingness to mentor faculty members with potentials for the prestigious award. – Grace T. Bengwayan
