The nickname “Mother of the Maliputo and Tawilis” sounds equal parts folklore and scientific acclaim. Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia earned the moniker through decades of work that has protected two of Taal Lake’s most valuable species and helped reshape the country’s inland fisheries sector. This year marked the height of her international recognition, highlighted by her receipt of the 2025 Women in Ag Award in Hanover, Germany – an accolade that brought her work to the global stage. Long before she stood onstage in Hanover, Mutia had spent years in quiet, methodical research, focused on challenges that many believed were unsolvable.

Campos, O. V. (2025, November 23). Researcher saves Taal Lake's fish. Manila Standard, p. B1.