DR. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay, S&T director of Mimaropa, was recently hailed as one of the Ten Outstanding Movers of the Philippines (TOMP) by the Students' Actions Vital to the Environment and Mother Earth (Save Me) Movement.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu personally bestowed the award to Abilay, who was cited for her notable contributions to the socio-economic development of the region, particularly in the space of poverty alleviation, and disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation.

In her acceptance speech, Abilay attributed the award to her equally passionate Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Mimaropa team and stressed the role and significance of harnessing science and technology to sustainable development.

"In my many years of service, I always instill in the community that the battle against poverty can be won with the help of science, technology, and innovation -- that we must put science at the heart of development," said Abilay.

TOMP, Champion of Life and Heroes of the Environment Award, seeks to inspire the prime movers from the different sectors of the society to proactively engage in the protection and preservation of the environment on personal and professional levels. The award recognizes the selfless and exemplary contribution of Filipinos in the pursuit of making the world a safe and meaningful place. (PR)