DR. EDGARDO E. Tulin, former president of Visayas State University, has been recognized as one of the nine Filipino Faces of Biotechnology by the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program.

Dr. Tulin was awarded for his leadership in promoting innovation and sustainable practices in higher education and regional agricultural research.

During his eight-year tenure as VSU president, Dr. Tulin enhanced the university’s infrastructure, invested in human resource development, and established research centers focusing on biotechnology, material science, and nanotechnology.

One of his notable achievements was the completion of the Advanced Research and Innovation Center in 2021, a facility designed to foster collaboration among faculty, students, and industry for academic and research excellence.

“He also led regional initiatives such as the propagation of root crops, the rehabilitation of coconut farming post-typhoon, and the development of a mango diagnostic toolkit to improve agricultural productivity,” VSU said.

“His contributions extend to research management, where he spearheaded value-chain projects for root crops and introduced sustainable food processing in Region VIII and remote areas like Maguindanao and Basilan. These efforts have boosted food security and rural development,” VSU added.

Dr. Tulin was honored earlier this month at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, where he received an incentive of P15,000 during the celebration of nine years of excellence in biotechnology.

Also recognized was the late Dr. Emiliana Bernardo, a pioneer in ecological farming and entomology. Her contributions to integrated pest management and biosafety through her work on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-modified crops were acknowledged posthumously.

Her husband, Dr. Fernando Bernardo, received the award on her behalf, honoring her legacy in agricultural research and education at the then Visayas State College of Agriculture.