Dr. Junemie Hazel Lebata–Ramos, a BS Biology 1992 and MS Fisheries 1999 alumna of the University of the Philippine Visayas (UPV), was named Most Outstanding Professional of the Year in the Field of Fisheries by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). She received her award at the Conrad Manila, Pasay City, Manila on August 2, 2024.
She was awarded for her “exceptional achievements, service, and contributions in her field of professional endeavor.” She was also one of the top 5 nominees for the much coveted “2024 Eric Nubla Excellence Award,” the highest honor being bestowed by the PRC upon outstanding professionals in the Philippines.
Lebata-Ramos is a senior scientist at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center - Aquaculture Department. Her past and present research works include studies on the biology, ecology, assessment, and rehabilitation of mangroves; biology, ecology, assessment, stock enhancement, and culture of mollusks (abalone, oyster, giant clam, angelwing clam, and toothless lucine) and crustaceans (Scylla spp. and penaeid shrimps); and integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) from which she has published some 60 scientific papers as senior author or co-author.
Her research projects have been funded by SEAFDEC, Ayala Corporation, the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the Government of Japan Trust Fund, and the European Commission.
She has received the following awards: Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers, Elvira O. Tan Memorial Award for Best Published Paper in Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Category, and Outstanding Professional Award for Fishery and Ocean Sciences from the UP Alumni Association Iloilo Chapter, World Oyster Society Early Stage Investigator Award, and another Elvira O. Tan Memorial Award for her paper on abalone feeds.
Junemie is a native of Lambunao, Iloilo. She is the youngest of two daughters of a farmer and a teacher.
Lebata - Ramos earned her Ph.D. in Ocean Sciences from the University of Wales, Bangor in the United Kingdom in 2007.
