A Filipina researcher recently received the Japan International Award 2009 for Young Agricultural Researches for her outstanding contribution to the development of technologies for the mitigation of food and environmental problems. The Philippine embassy in Tokyo said the Japanese Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Research Council of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) gave the award to Dr. Maria Junemie Hazel Leonida Lebata-Ramon, a researcher for Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).

Lee-Brago, P. (2009, November 15). Pinay aggie researcher receives Japan Int'l Award 2009. The Philippine Star, p. 3.