Home>>News>>Researchers and Support Staff Honored in UP Manila Parangal at Pagkilala 2025
Researchers and Support Staff Honored in UP Manila Parangal at Pagkilala 2025
Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
UP Manila celebrated the invaluable contributions of its research support personnel during the Parangal at Pagkilala 2025, the culminating event of the 21st UP Manila Science and Technology (S&T) Week, held on Nov. 24 to 28, 2025.
“This is when we pause to honor our often unsung yet indispensable members of the research team, who we call the champions behind the research that we all do. Today, we shine a spotlight on them for their dedication, expertise, and tireless support to make research not just possible but successful in UP Manila,” Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Leslie Michelle Dalmacio said as she emphasized that research is never a solitary endeavor. “While we have principal investigators, project leaders, and faculty members often being recognized or receiving public recognition, there is a vibrant team of research staff and administrative personnel whose contributions form the backbone of every project.”
Chancellor Michael Tee discussed the importance of research particularly in the delivery of primary healthcare and took pride in UP Manila’s latest ranking at the 2025–2026 Best Global Universities Rankings by the U.S. News & World Report.
“Ito ay ginawa ng UP Manila upang makinabang ang ating buong bansa, lalo na sa delivery ng primary healthcare. Yan ang impact,” He said.
He also championed the work of Dr. Janus Ong, whose liver study program has earned recognition from Quezon City and Tarlac LGUs and is now being considered for wider adoption.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rafael Bundoc’s inventions, including surgical rongeurs and anatomy tools, were recently featured in a trade event in Shanghai, China.
Throughout the week, the university held discussions on climate and health, universal healthcare, community-based innovations, research integrity, and interdisciplinary advances. It also served as venue to hand out the following awards to outstanding UP Manila personnel:
College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP)
Ahlene Grace Cervantes – Administrative Aide
Marlene Patron – Head Librarian
Dr. Christian Alfredo Cruz – Project/Technical Staff
Janna Marie Flores – Project Assistant
Alma Labro – University Research Associate II
Ménevy Mariano – Project Assistant
Korynne Amber Garcia – Project Assistant
Lindsay Paulino – Senior Office Assistant I
Patrick Ryan Bello – Project Assistant
Zaira Joie Salcedo – College Librarian
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Kristine May Bernardo – Laboratory Manager
Jonah Dee Baje – Administrative Officer
Leonie Florendo – Administrative Aide VI
College of Dentistry (CD)
Alberto Perona Jr. – Laboratory Technician II
Maricar Paras-Ong, MPM – Administrative Officer V
Richard Alipasa – Laboratory Technician II
Lindsay Jhen Kurais – Senior Office Aide
Lalaine Salaysay – Administrative Assistant II
Steven James Mallari – Administrative Aide III
College of Medicine (CM)
Ben Anthony Lopez – Project Technical Officer
Maria Katrina Diana Cruz – University Researcher
Kim Claudette Fernandez – Research Assistant
Nelson Javier – Laboratory Technician
Jomel Yuoi Jamito – Technical Support Staff, Teaching Associate
Razel Azucena – Laboratory Technician
Jessa Louise Turreda, RMT, MSc – University Research Associate
Glycerine Manalo – Administrative Research Assistant
Chareece Pudol– Project Manager
Rosauro Hernando Jr. – Laboratory Technician
Mark Hanzelle De Torres – University Research Associate II
Ma. Clarice Salazar – Senior Office Associate
Princess Alyssa Abid – Project Technical Specialist III
College of Nursing (CN)
Dustin Daniel Palacio – Administrative Assistant II
Cathleen Gail Reyes – Project Assistant
Ma Sophia Dorothy Boncodin – Project Assistant
College of Pharmacy (CP)
Jefferson Ramos – Project Technical Aide V
Fletcher Gyb Camara – Project Technical Assistant III
Rachel Ann Abenido – Project Technical Assistant V
Christopher Mari Angelo Abad – Project Technical Specialist I
Justine Marie Mercado – Project Technical Assistant III
Nicole Kaye Calara – Project Technical Assistant V
Jowela Alvarado – Project Technical Specialist III
Whey Tabiongan – Technical Project Assistant III
Katreen Hannah Louise Daquis – Project Technical Assistant V
Althea Gundran – Project Technical Assistant VI
College of Public Health (CPH)
Justine Aga – Project Technical Assistant III
Jessie James Arnoza – Project Technical Assistant IV
John Kloyd Araza – Project Technical Assistant I
Andrea Castillo – Research Assistant
Ysabel Lyka Lacbayen – Research Assistant
Angelo Libelo – Research Associate
Lance Alvin Lurzano – Research Associate
Irish Rabano – Project Technical Assistant IV
John Andrew Solomon – Research Assistant
Francesca Lauren Vivas – Project Research Associate
Aizel Sopena-Talisic – Project Administrative Assistant VI
School of Health Sciences (SHS)
Irma Sindac (SHS Baler) – Administrative Officer IV
Maricar Paras-Ong of the College of Dentistry thanked UP Manila’s leadership for championing behind-the-scenes work. She noted that every contribution matters, no matter how quiet, and that the honor is shared by all who serve with dedication. Despite long hours, tight deadlines, and unexpected challenges, researchers continue because they believe in work that saves lives and strengthens communities. “Today, UP Manila reminds us that research excellence is never the work of a single person; it is a collective effort, fueled by dedication across many roles,” she said.
