Aries A. Arugay, PhD of the UP Diliman (UPD) Department of Political Science (DPolSci) and Jillian Aira S. Gabo-Ratio, DEng of the UPD National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) were among the eight recipients of the 2025 Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) Achievement Award (NRCP Award).
Arugay, a professor of political science, was honored for his contributions to the field of social sciences. According to the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute website, he was cited for his analysis of political trends and his work on electoral disinformation.
Arugay’s research interests include security studies, comparative democratization, civil-military relations, and Philippine foreign policy. In recognition of his numerous accomplishments, Arugay received the Outstanding Young Scientist (political science) award by the National Academy of Science and Technology–Philippines in 2020.
Meanwhile, Gabo-Ratio, a professor at NIGS and the institute deputy director for academic affairs, was honored for her contributions in the field of earth and space sciences. She was cited for her works on sustainable mining and resource management through collaboration with industry and government.
Her research interests include economic geology, igneous and sedimentary geochemistry, geophysics, and tectonics. For her significant work in advancing geological science and sustainability, Gabo-Ratio was awarded with the Outstanding Young Scientist (earth resources engineering) Award in 2023.
NRCP awards recognize members who advance knowledge, strengthen the research community, and contribute to the nation’s progress through scientific inquiry and scholarly excellence.
Arugay and Gabo-Ratio were honored during the NRCP 2026 Annual Scientific Conference and 93rd General Membership Assembly on March 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.
In the same assembly, Maria Ela L. Atienza, PhD of the DPolSci, was re-elected as chair of the NRCP Division of Social Sciences.