UP MSI’s Bolinao Marine Laboratory initiatives and staff honored at the 2026 Gawad Pangulo Awards
FEATURED PHOTO. The Gawad Pangulo awardees of the UP Marine Science Institute. From left to right: Emmanuel Mendoza, Charina Caalim, Julio Curiano Jr., Director Dr. Arturo Lluisma, Deputy Director of the Bolinao Marine Laboratory Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez, and Maria Rona Rodrigueza-Villanueva.
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — The UP Marine Science Institute was recognized at the University of the Philippines’ 2026 Gawad Pangulo Awards with double the honors: the Gawad Pangulo sa Natatanging Yunit sa Administrasyon, Pananaliksik at Paglikha, at Ekstensyon for the Bolinao Marine Laboratory (BML), and the Gawad Pangulo sa Natatanging Kawani ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas for BML staff, Julio Curiano Jr.
Receiving the awards were Dean of the College of Science Cynthia Saloma, MSI Director Dr. Arturo Lluisma, Deputy Director of the Bolinao Marine Laboratory Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez, and BML staff Julio Curiano Jr., Charina Caalim, Emmanuel Mendoza, Maria Rona Rodrigueza-Villanueva, and Serafin Geson III. The awarding ceremony was held at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium last June 26, 2026 as the culminating event of this year’s Buwan ng Unibersidad celebrations.
The Gawad Pangulo is a special award given by the Office of the President in recognition of exemplary members of the UP System. This marks the second year in a row that the UP Marine Science Institute was honored at the Gawad Pangulo Awards, after receiving the Gawad Pangulo para sa Natatanging Akademikong Institusyon in 2025.
Through sustained collaboration with academic institutions, government agencies, and coastal communities, BML has effectively translated scientific research into meaningful environmental programs that empower local communities, especially in Bolinao.
The Giant Clam Conservation Program and the Silaki Ocean Nursery has served as a sustainable source of giant clams for national restocking efforts and authority on the illegal wildlife trade of giant clams for several decades. BML research has also helped establish sea cucumber initiatives and marine reserves in the barangays of Pilar and Dewey that empowered local fisherfolk and People’s Organizations through participatory coastal resource management.
A key player in BML’s research and extension initiatives is longtime Administrative Aide Julio Curiano Jr., fondly known as July. Since beginning work as a research assistant in 2006, Curiano has provided invaluable expertise and dedication to the Giant Clam Conservation Program through nineteen years of service.
Curiano is the face of BML’s giant clam conservation initiatives. He leads the promotion of science-based learning and environmental awareness, whether through media engagements or educational tours. As part of the Technical Working Group of Bolinao’s tourism development, Curiano provides science-based recommendations that integrate marine conservation with ecotourism development. He actively supervises and assists students and interns in the conduct of research activities involving giant clams, ensuring proper guidance, ethical research practices, and adherence to scientific standards.
This Gawad Pangulo is the latest among the awards and recognitions bestowed by the University to BML, its initiatives, and its staff. Previously, the establishment of the BML earned the first Gawad Tsanselor sa Natatanging Programang Pang-ekstensiyon of the UP Marine Science Institute in 2017. Chris Diolazo Jr., BML’s Building Administrator, was also honored with the Dangal Award: Pagkilala sa Pinakamahusay na Kawani in 2025.
UP Marine Science Institute is proud to once again be recognized for our efforts in marine science and conservation. We will continue serving the nation with honor and excellence.