Australia alumni excellence awards honors outstanding Filipinos

The Australian Embassy recently honored exceptional Australia-educated Filipinos at the annual Australia Alumni Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to innovation, education, and industry.

Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM, FCPA (Aust), presented the awards, which spotlight talented change-makers, quiet achievers, and established leaders. In his speech, Ambassador Yu acknowledged the significant impact of Australia-educated Filipinos in strengthening the Australia-Philippines Strategic Partnership.

“When I travel across the Philippines and meet our alumni, I’m often moved deeply by the impact they’re making with their Australian education. Their passion and purpose lift both the Australian and Philippine flags higher in the sky. Together, we are building a legacy of excellence under the proud banner of the Australia Alumni network,” Ambassador Yu said.

Dr. Jaime Manalo IV was named Alumnus of the Year for his pioneering work in agricultural education. His campaign focused on training young people about modern rice cultivation practices and empowering them to share this knowledge with their farming parents. The initiative has reached over 200 schools and 4,000 youth in remote rice-farming communities, contributing to increased rice yields and reduced pesticide use, thus supporting the country’s food security and climate resilience.

The campaign was developed during Dr. Manalo’s Australia Awards Master’s scholarship at the University of Queensland, where he also earned his Doctor of Philosophy.

Dr. Santiago Peña Jr. received the Excellence in Innovation award for his advancements in agricultural solutions for the Philippine pig industry. He founded the Visayas State University Boar SemenLAB in Leyte, aimed at improving hog productivity and conserving local swine genetics.

“Our work at the Boar SemenLAB is crucial for the economic viability and food security of the Philippine swine industry,” Dr. Peña said.

Dr. Peña completed his Master’s degree in Tropical Veterinary Science and Doctor of Philosophy at James Cook University in Queensland as an Australia Awardee.

Mr. Ramon Carlo Pio Roda was named Young Achiever for creating the first financial technology (FinTech) course at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s School of Business.

“The financial technology course was designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a highly competitive global job market,” Pio said.

He developed the course during his Master of Commerce studies at the University of New South Wales under an Australia Awards scholarship.

This year marked the first time the Ambassador’s Award for Maritime Excellence was presented. Ambassador Yu honored three alumni for their contributions to civil maritime security and marine conservation: Professor Porfirio Aliño of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, Attorney Fretti Ganchoon of the Department of Justice, and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

This year’s awards received 47 nominations from alumni across the country, and the Australia Alumni community in the Philippines continues to expand. It includes senior government officials, entrepreneurs, academics, and industry leaders, collectively shaping a more innovative, resilient, and prosperous future.

Filipino leaders interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in Australia and committed to contributing to Philippine development upon their return can apply for the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarships. Applications for the 2026 intake are open until 30 April 2025.