UNIVERSITY of Cagayan Valley President Esther Susan Perez-Mari received a gold medal in the 2021 Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano for her contributions in oncology clinical research and drug development.

UCV said that Perez-Mari, a renowned physician-scientist, bagged the gold in the medicine category during the celebration of “Aggao Nac Cagayan” or Araw ng Cagayan.

She was dubbed as a Modern Day Hero by the province as she also advocates the creation of an awareness campaign on the importance of oncology clinical research and drug development.

“She hopes to inspire the younger generation to advance innovation, technology, and science,” UCV said.

Perez-Mai was vetted by five experts from different fields, which was spearheaded by the Cagayan Provincial Government.