The Polytechnic University of the Philippines today (re)launched its University Center for Research on Environmental and Ecological Development (UCREED) at Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The new director is Prof. Liwayway L. Memije Cruz, my mom, kung kanino ako nagmana ng katalinuhan.

Mama obtained her bachelor’s degree at the University of the East, and her masteral degree at the  Technological University of the Philippines. She still has to finish her dissertation to receive a doctoral degree on educational management.

She has written several books and modules on ecology, biology, chemistry and other natural sciences.

She has taught at several schools: Avancena and Tondo high schools, St. Stephen‘s Chinese high school, Martinez Memorial College, TUP and for the past years at PUP.

She has served as adviser for the Earthsavers Movement, the PUP central student council and the PUP chapters of Gabriela Youth, among others.

Prior to her appointment as UCREED director, Mama was a ranking member of the PUP faculty union and cooperative.

She has also won scores of awards, including the first Pylon Awards of PUP, Gintong Ina for education and grand finalist in the Metrobank search for the country’s best teachers.
What’s next for Mama? What else — perhaps she will start blogging this year!