Professor Lourdes Cruz, a Filipina marine scientist was globally recognized for her contribution in the field of science and technology. Prof. Cruz is one among the 5 women scientists who were honored in the prestigious 12th Annual L’Oreal-Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) awards for women in science at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.


Prof. Lourdes Cruz was a bio-chemist at the University of the Philippines Marine Institute. She received her masters and doctorate degree in biochemistry from the University of Iowa. Prof. Cruz retired last year.

Prof. Cruz was recognized for developing and converting toxins emanating from marine snails and sea shells into pain-killer drugs used for those afflicted with cancer, epilepsy and brain disorder.

She was also cited for actively helping indigenous tribes, particularly the Aetas in Bataan province. Prof. Cruz shares her vast knowledge in science with the rural communities in mobilizing livelihood projects and education which conform to their cultural norm.

But Prof. Cruz is not very ecstatic of the prize she rather wants to urge government to focus more on science development to cope with environmental degradation. She laments that the budget allocation for science and technology does not even reach 1% of the entire budget.


She added the Department of Science and Technology ranks last in the order of priority for budget share, unlike in other countries which have progressed significantly due to major shift in science development.

Prof. Cruz also receives a US$100,000 award which will use to buy a piece of land to serve as a new base for her rural livelihood incubator program for the Aetas.

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