In observance of the International Women’s Month last March, DOST-PCAARRD honors empowered women in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector. One of these exceptional women is Dr. Jill D. Villanueva, a Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) program completer and a dedicated researcher specializing in Plant Pathology. Her journey in academia and research has significant achievements and contributions to the field.
Dr. Villanueva obtained her doctorate in Agricultural Science, majoring in Crop Protection, at the University of Southern Mindanao in 2021. Her dissertation, "Host Reaction of Ten Cacao Clones to Insect Pests and Diseases," under the guidance of Dr. Romulo L. Cena, exemplified her commitment to advancing agricultural sciences. She is a Training Specialist III at the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI).
Currently, Dr. Villanueva leads her re-entry project, "Artificial Intelligence-Based Diagnostic Clinic for Detection and Monitoring System for the Management of Rubber Diseases and Insect Pests." Furthermore, she serves as the Science and Technology (S&T) Consultant for the project, "Etiology, Detection, and Management Strategies for Pestalotiopsis Disease of Rubber." Both researches are funded by DOST-PCAARRD and implemented by PRRI.
Beyond her significant studies, she also represents the Philippines on international platforms. She was awarded the 2024 International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB)-Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) Training Fellowship Program held in Thailand from February 6–22, 2024.
Contributing to knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers from various Asian countries, Dr. Villanueva recently showcased her groundbreaking research at the International Rubber Conference (IRC) 2024 held in Pattaya, Thailand on February 19–21, 2024. She presented two papers, "The Prevalence of Major Rubber Diseases and Insect Pests in the Philippines" and “Diversity of Pestalotiopsis Pathogens Causing Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber in the Philippines," co-authored by Dr. Cheryl Eusala and Dr. Tamie Solpot." Her two research poster papers, "Encroachment of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber in the Philippines" and "Preliminary Studies for the Control of Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease of Rubber in the Philippines," co-authored by Dr. Joseph Lorilla, Mr. Melecio Cordero, Mr. Glenn Corpuz, Dr. Tamie Solpot, and Dr. Cheryl L. Eusala, were also showcased during the event.
During the IRC 2024, Dr. Villanueva was honored with the “Young Scientist Award” presented by the International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB), for her outstanding contributions to rubber research and development.
The GREAT program has seen remarkable success, with 52 out of 114 scholars being women. Since its inception in 2017, a total of 23 Masteral and 2 Doctoral graduates have emerged from the program, highlighting its commitment to fostering gender equality and empowerment in research and academia.
The Council acknowledges and commends the contributions of exceptional women like Dr. Jill D. Villanueva, whose dedication and passion propel innovation and advancement in the AANR sector.