Dr. Elena Santos, Professor of Agriculture at Mindoro State University, has been honored with the CHED Outstanding Researcher Award for her significant contributions to sustainable agriculture research in the MIMAROPA region.
Dr. Santos has published over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles and has led 12 funded research projects focused on organic farming systems, indigenous crop varieties, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Her most notable work on salt-tolerant rice varieties has been adopted by farming communities across Oriental Mindoro.
The award was presented during the National Higher Education Day celebration in Quezon City. Dr. Santos has been a member of the MinSU faculty for over 15 years and currently serves as the Research Director of the College of Agriculture and Fisheries.