Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen, vice president for planning, development, and external linkages, was given the 2012 Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP) Honorary Fellow Award during CSSP’s 42nd Annual Scientific Conference in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, April 19.

He was recognized for his valuable contributions as national program leader on sweet sorghum research, development, and extension spanning seven years. As national program leader, he is tasked to lead in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of sweet sorghum projects in state universities and colleges, in regional integrated agricultural research centers, and in those funded by DOST-PCAARRD. This earned for MMSU the 2010 CHED Best HEI Research Program in the regional and national levels.

In addition to his national post, he also serves as country coordinator of the International Fund for Agricultural Development of the United Nations and ICRISAT project on “Harnessing water-use efficient bioenergy crops for enhancing livelihood opportunities of smallholder farmers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America”.

His research and management expertise has been recognized by both public and private institutions as evidenced by several technical advisory and consultancy engagements, notwithstanding his administrative and academic responsibilities in the university.

Holding an SUC Vice President IV position, Dr. Layaoen finished a PhD in Farming Systems, an MS in Agronomy, and a BS in Agriculture – all from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.