Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, executive director of the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), has been named third-place winner in the Technology and Research category of the Women in Ag Award 2025. The recognition was conferred by the Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft (German Agricultural Society) or DLG and Women in Ag Magazine on November 12, 2025, in Hanover, Germany.

Dr. Mutia’s work in fisheries research and development (R&D) stood out among more than 150 entries from 63 countries, underscoring the impact of her pioneering efforts in breeding and culture technologies for endangered and endemic fish species, contributions that advance food security and sustainable fisheries.

In her message, Dr. Mutia said:

“I am grateful to receive this award, especially as I mark my first year at NFRDI as its director. This recognition is not mine alone, but a reflection of the collective efforts of the many people I have had the privilege to meet, work with, and learn from. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel and Undersecretary Drusila Esther Bayate for their steadfast support and guidance, which continue to inspire our work in fisheries research and development. To our partner institutions, my colleagues at DA, our stakeholders, and especially our fisherfolk, who are the very reason we conduct research. To my NFRDI family, thank you for helping bring the results of fisheries science to the communities that need them most. This award serves as a reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together.”

A specialist in fish breeding, aquaculture, fish biology, stock assessment, limnology, and inland fisheries management, Dr. Mutia is widely known as the “Mother of Maliputo and Tawilis.” She pioneered the first captive breeding of the high-value maliputo and advanced research and conservation efforts for the endangered tawilis, the world’s only freshwater sardine found in Lake Taal.

Her work helped establish maliputo hatchery technology and informed key science-based policies, including the tawilis closed fishing season every March and April, as well as the creation of reserve areas in Taal Lake.

With 33 years of government service, Dr. Mutia began her career at NFRDI in 1992 as a contractual biologist and rose through the ranks to now lead the Institute. She holds a BS in Zoology and MS and PhD degrees in Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). She has received national awards, published extensively, mentored students, and continues to champion aquaculture innovations for communities.

Joining Dr. Mutia on the winners’ podium under the Technology and Research category was Lamai Yapanan, senior breeder at East-West Seed in Thailand, who placed third alongside her. Notably, Dr. Mutia is the first Filipina to receive an award in this category. The first- and second-place recognitions went to Cécile Deterre of Austria and Cristina Mallor of Spain, respectively.

Filipina excellence was also highlighted in the Education category, where Robyn Mijares, founder and executive director of Youth Uprising and Grow School Philippines, and Lysette Lacambra, manager of the Technical Support Hub at the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, were likewise among this year’s honorees.

Now on its fourth year, the Women in Ag Award recognizes outstanding women across the globe who are shaping the future of agriculture through their innovation, expertise, and dedication. Across four categories: Farming, Agribusiness, Education, and Technology and Research, the award celebrates women’s contributions and showcases the inspiring stories behind their achievements. ### (Rita dela Cruz)