UP-Diliman renames marine science building

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines has renamed the UP Diliman Marine Science Institute (MSI)’s building as the Edgardo D. Gomez Hall, after the national scientist who founded the institute.

UP said in a recent social media post that the building was renamed as part of the celebration of the MSI’s 50th founding anniversary, during which Gomez was honored.

“Beyond academia, the MSI is always working with government officials, (non-government organizations) and stakeholders to bring marine science to the people. The MSI has shown how important scientific research is for building communities, supporting economic industries and instilling a sense of national pride,” UP-Diliman chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II said.

Following the MSI building’s renaming were the inauguration of the Marine Biodiversity Resources and Information System (MBRIS) building and a thanksgiving dinner.

“At the heart of MBRIS will be the MSI reference collections of marine organisms, libraries of natural products extracted from these organisms and other marine biodiversity collections,” MSI associate professor Maria Celia Malay said.