An awarding ceremony happened at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino at Ermita, Manila last April 23. A professor and scientist at University of the Philippines-Los Banos had received an award from the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST). The government agency presented the 2012 Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science plaque of recognition and US$ 1,000 (from Dr. Hugh Greenwood) to Dr. Virgina Castillo-Cuevas for her substantial assistance in the technological improvement of agricultural facilities.

Dr. Virgina Castillo-Cuevas had developed a composting technology that uses Trichoderma harzianum Rifai Activator. The Trichoderma harzianum Rifai Activator which aided as inoculant had considerably advanced the growth of Jatropha curcas, a biofuel crop.

Also included in this technology is the Trichoderma microbial inoculants which served as biofertilizer for vegetables and other crops. Another benefit of this invention is that the copper-contaminated soils with mine tailings in Mankayan, Benguet and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur can be decontaminated by this composting technology. DOST-NAST will continue to support inventions that will help to solve problems in environmental dilapidation and depletion of natural resources for the benefit of the future generation. [via pia.gov.ph]