As the finals of the 2026 Talent Search for Young Scientists (NTSYS) of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) concluded, five emerging Filipino scientists showcased their exceptional skills and presented their research before the academy on April 22 at the Admiral Hotel in Manila.
The NTSYS is an annual competition for Filipino scientists aged 35 and below. It aims to advance innovative, science-based solutions aligned with national development priorities.
The finalists’ research spans from artificial intelligence, environmental science, biotechnology, and public health.
The winners were announced during the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of NAST PHL on July 9, 2026. The five scientists were recognized as Talent Search Finalists.
Engineer Timothy Scott C. Chu
Engineer Timothy Scott C. Chu is an Assistant Professor at De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the same university. He also obtained a Master of Science in Robotics Engineering from Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, England.
His primary research interests are robotics, particularly human-robot interaction (HRI) and mobile robotics. Chu received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from DLSU Manila, where he graduated with honorable mention. He completed his Master of Science in Robotics Engineering with distinction and currently serves as a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Chu is also a special citation awardee.
Joe Anthony H. Manzano
Joe Anthony H. Manzano is a Filipino molecular and chemical biologist from the University of Santo Tomas. He specializes in cancer biology, drug discovery, biotechnology, and computational biology.
He is widely recognized for his research validating the anticancer potential of the Philippine medicinal plant Voacanga globosa (bayag-usa) using both laboratory and computational approaches.
Joe Anthony H. Manzano won 1st place for his study on Voacanga globosa.
Ronnel C. Nolos
Ronnel C. Nolos is a Filipino environmental scientist and university instructor at Marinduque State University. He specializes in environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and the assessment of heavy metal pollution caused by mining activities.
Nolos earned graduate degrees from the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños and the University of Southeastern Philippines. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science at the University of Arizona as a Fulbright scholar.
His research focuses on the ecological and human health effects of toxic elements and on the use of plants to rehabilitate polluted environments.
John Vincent R. Pleto
John Vincent R. Pleto is a Filipino environmental scientist and Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. His research focuses on freshwater ecology, plankton ecology, water quality, environmental pollution, and bioremediation.
He is particularly known for developing a phytoplankton-based method for assessing the ecological health of the Seven Lakes of San Pablo City, Laguna. In 2026, he was recognized by NAST Philippines as a third-prize awardee in the NTSYS alongside other finalists like Timothy Scott C. Chu, Ronnel C. Nolos, and Rance Derrick N. Pavon.
Rance Derrick Neri Pavon
Rance Derrick Neri Pavon is a Filipino microbiologist and food safety researcher from the UP Diliman. He specializes in microbiology, molecular biology, antimicrobial resistance, and the rapid detection of foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella.
He developed a low-cost LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) assay for detecting Salmonella in meat products, which may help improve food safety in resource-limited settings. His research has received support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and recognition from the Philippine Society for Microbiology.
Moreover, Pavon excelled as the 2nd placer in the NAST finals.
