MUNTINLUPA CITY—The Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM) celebrates one of its homegrown scientists, Dr. Fe Esperanza Caridad Espino, for being conferred the rank of Scientist I by the Scientific Career Council chaired and co-chaired by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), respectively.

Espino, the country’s leading expert on malaria, has been with RITM for more than 30 years. Devoting majority of that time working with communities affected by malaria, dengue, and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across the country, she currently leads the Institute’s Parasitology Department in steering public health research initiatives. Her most recent feat includes being one of the six finalists contending for the 2020 Newton Prize, a £1 million grant for research with excellent implementation and impact.

“Dr. Espino brings so much pride and honor to RITM. She has been with us since the growing years of the Institute, and I am happy that this well-deserved recognition was conferred to an outstanding public servant. May her achievements inspire more Filipino scientists to persevere for public health and the greater good,” commended RITM Director Celia Carlos.

Dr. Espino is the third researcher from RITM to be conferred with a Scientific Career System (SCS) Scientist rank. She joins Scientist II Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding, retired head of the Microbiology Department and accomplished dengue expert; and Scientist I Dr. Marilla Lucero, retired head of the Institute’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

The SCS is a recognition program that acknowledges the contribution of career researchers and scientists in the government workforce. Apart from incentivizing scientific output, the system is likewise a platform to attract and retain highly qualified persons in the science and technology sector.