New DOST-NRCP Governing Board Officers for CY 2025-2026 Elected, Sworn In
Six newly elected governing board officers of the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) for Calendar Year (CY) 2025-2026 officially took their oath at the NRCP Auditorium on March 27, 2025.
Leading the Council is Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas from the Mathematical Sciences Division, who serves as President. Dr. Ramon Christian P. Eusebio from the Engineering and Industrial Research Division acts as Vice President, Dr. Maria Ela L. Atienza from the Social Sciences Division holds the position of Corporate Secretary, while Dr. Dixon T. Gevaña from the Agriculture and Forestry Division serves as Treasurer. Also part of the new NRCP GB Officers are Dr. Jose Ma. M. Angeles from the Medical Sciences Division as Assistant Corporate Secretary and Dr. Betchaida D. Payot from the Earth and Space Sciences Division as Assistant Treasurer.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., who expressed confidence in the capabilities of the newly elected officers.
“As officers of NRCP, you carry a vital mandate—to continue providing sound advice on issues of national interest and to promote a culture of scientific and technological awareness across all sectors of society,” he emphasized in his remarks.
Secretary Solidum further underscored the importance of aligning NRCP’s efforts with the four strategic pillars of DOST – promotion of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability – to ensure consistency and relevance in the country’s scientific and technological advancement.
De Las Peñas, the newly appointed NRCP President, expressed her gratitude for the trust given by the Governing Board and shared her vision for the Council.
She envisions NRCP as a dynamic institution that fosters the generation of new knowledge, discoveries and innovations, and supports the creation of policies grounded in science and humanities research.
Expanding on her vision, De Las Peñas highlighted the Council’s core values—transparency, inclusivity, diversity, resilience, and solutions-oriented service. She also stressed the need to strengthen collaboration with institutions and enhance research mentorship, which she deemed significant in sustaining and advancing the country’s research landscape.
As a mathematician and Chair of the Council’s Mathematical Sciences Division, Dr. De Las Peñas emphasized the value of applying problem-solving skills and systems thinking to tackle complex research challenges. These analytical tools, she believes, are instrumental in shaping policy and driving innovation.
She further highlighted the importance of leading with both intellect and empathy—what she calls, “leadership with a heart.”
Dr. Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo, the outgoing NRCP President and Member-at-Large, facilitated the election of the new officers. Along with NRCP Executive Director Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, she congratulated the incoming officers and expressed optimism about their capacity to offer fresh perspectives and maintain the Council’s commitment to research excellence.
With the new officers in place, the Council aims to further its strategic approaches—strengthening partnerships with various institutions, promoting interdisciplinary research, and navigating the evolving research landscape in the Philippines.
The newly sworn-in NRCP officers are expected to build upon existing programs while providing new strategies to respond to the challenges and opportunities in research.
Ahead of the election, Governing Board members reviewed the Council’s accomplishments over the past year in relation to its mandates during a regular meeting. Dr. Barrion-Dupo and Dr. Sepeda presented their reports, which were supplemented by the Council’s committee heads. These reports highlighted key achievements and outlined ongoing projects that the CY 2025-2026 Governing Board will continue and expand. (Rose D. Dagupen, S&T Media Service)
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