Presented by Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong (HK) Yu PSM, FCPA, the awards paid tribute to trailblazing individuals whose work has transformed sectors such as agriculture, education, financial technology, and maritime security.
Ambassador Yu, in a statement, emphasized the critical role alumni play in strengthening the Australia-Philippines Strategic Partnership, saying, “Their passion and purpose lift both the Australian and Philippine flags higher in the sky. Together, we are building a legacy of excellence under the proud banner of the Australia Alumni network.”
Top honors: Agriculture and community empowerment
Dr. Jaime Manalo IV was named Alumnus of the Year for his pioneering “infomediary campaign,” a grassroots initiative educating Filipino youth on modern rice cultivation.
Developed during his Australia Awards Master’s scholarship and PhD at the University of Queensland, the campaign has trained over 4,000 students in 200 rural schools, who then helped educate their farming parents. This has boosted rice yields and reduced pesticide use, directly contributing to national food security and climate resilience goals.
Dr. Santiago Peña Jr, meanwhile, received the Excellence in Innovation award for founding the Boar SemenLAB at Visayas State University. This cutting-edge research center enhances swine productivity and safeguards local pig genetics.
Peña, an alumnus of James Cook University, underscored the lab’s significance in bolstering the viability of the Philippine hog industry.
Young achiever and maritime trailblazers
Ramon Carlo Pio Roda, honored as Young Achiever, was lauded for developing the Philippines’ first financial technology (FinTech) course at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
The course was inspired by his Master of Commerce studies at the University of New South Wales, and is now preparing students for careers in a global digital economy.
A newly launched Ambassador’s Award for Maritime Excellence went to three distinguished alumni:
Prof. Porfirio Aliño, UP Marine Science Institute, for marine conservation efforts (PhD, James Cook University)
Atty. Fretti Ganchoon, DOJ, for legal expertise in the Law of the Sea (Masterclasses, University of Wollongong)
Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, for maritime security leadership (Master’s in Maritime Studies, University of Wollongong)
Nurturing the next generation of leaders
This year’s awards received 47 nominations from Filipino alumni nationwide. The Australia Alumni network continues to grow, encompassing top government officials, academics, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
Ambassador Yu encouraged aspiring Filipino leaders to apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships, which support postgraduate studies for individuals committed to driving progress in the Philippines. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Applications for the 2026 intake are open until April 30, 2025. Interested individuals may visit www.australiaawardsphilippines.org/scholarships.
