A young man in a hurry! This phrase aptly describes Dr. Orville L. Bondoc, one of the 10 recipients of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards for 2003. With the way he is collecting awards one after the other, Dr. Bondoc might be going for the record as the most highly-decorated faculty member of the College of Agriculture (CA) before he retires from active service.

Dr. Bondoc is a full professor at the Institute of Animal Science and is currently the Associate Dean of CA. Only 40 years old, he has already won numerous citations such as 2003 Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation, Inc. Development Award, 2001 UPLB Outstanding Researcher Award, National Academy of Science and Technology-Department of Science and Technology's (NAST-DOST) 1997 Outstanding Young Scientist in Animal Breeding and Genetics and 1999 Outstanding Book Award, 1997 UNIVET Outstanding Young Man in Animal Science Award, 1998 San Miguel Outstanding Researcher in Animal Science Award, 1999 Merial Philippines Outstanding Teacher in Animal Science Award, 2001 Inphilco Distinguished Animal Scientist Award, and 2002 Third World Academy of Sciences Prize for Young Scientists in the Philippines (Biology). Dr. Bondoc also won many best paper awards from the Philippine Society of Animal Science, NAST-DOST, and Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research. He was granted professorial chair lectures in animal science through the Metro Manila Commission (1997-1999); the UP Alumni Association of Metro-Toronto, Ontario, Canada (2001); and the UP Foundation, Inc. (2003).

Dr. Bondoc was chosen as TOYM awardee for his researches and creative works that contributed greatly in advancing the field of animal breeding and genetics, including the publication of a book entitled "Bio-diversity of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources in the Philippines"; use of karyotype analysis in a carabao genetic improvement program; and establishment of the Philippine Breed Registry (for cattle and goats), Philippine Genetic Resource Improvement Program for Farm Animals, "NDA MilkRec" milk recording software, and "Bull 99" breeding scheme - a community-based cattle breeding program for smallholder farmers. As a scientist and professor, he has dedicated his life to community service and the development of the livestock and poultry industry by empowering small farmers through the enhancement of their capabilities for local genetic improvement and conservation programs.

During an interview*, Dr. Bondoc said that he did not expect the award considering the tough competition. He stressed that while his contributions might not be directly felt by farmers since his work mainly involves basic research on animal performance, he explained that "if each of us would perform our role based on the triadic function of the university (instruction, research, and extension), basic sciences could be translated into applied sciences or technologies that will benefit the farmers." He added that it takes more than a TOYM award to effectively transfer technologies to the countryside and implied the need for a strong extension delivery system.

Commenting on the state of agriculture today, Dr. Bondoc opined that our country must still strive for productivity particularly on food. He then acknowledged the role of UPLBCA in generating technologies that could boost production. "In fact," he said, "foreigners acquire from us many ideas which they utilize to improve agriculture in their country". He added that, with proper government support, CA can greatly help in attaining high productivity.

When asked what advice he could give to future TOYM aspirants, Dr. Bondoc replied that they must be creative, innovative, patient, and must enjoy their work. He likewise suggested aiming for more published works. "Even if you're already gone," he said, "many can still read your work. And that is your legacy".

He also wrote numerous publications on statistical analysis of local data on animal performance using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction mixed models, derivation of local selection indexes, evaluation of inbreeding and heterosis, characterization and documentation of livestock and poultry genetic resources, incorporation of artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer technologies in the cattle nucleus breeding scheme through computer simulation, determination of genetic and economic impacts of AI in local breeding programs, and justification of local programs to conserve and use indigenous/native breeds.

With his TOYM award, Dr. Bondoc is CA's 38th TOYM awardee and now joins the ranks of close to 400 individuals such as Benigno Aquino, Jr., Joseph Estrada, Jose Burgos, Lea Salonga, Jose Marie Chan, Napoleon Abueva, Loren Legarda, and Jaime Zobel de Ayala who have received the TOYM awards for excelling in their respective fields.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferred the award in Malacañan to this year's TOYM awardees which also include Dr. Allan B. Bernardo, psychology and education; Francisco Enrique M. Bernardo III, entrepreneurship; Kenneth C. Cobonpue, arts, design and entrepreneurship; Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan, literature; John Patrick C. Gregorio, tourism management; Victor Emmanuel Carmelo D. Nadera Jr., literature; John T. Ong, community service; Dr. Ricardo Jose T. Quintos II, vascular surgery; and Lyndon C. Tan, agriculture and food technology. She lauded the awardees' "virtuous qualities" and expressed hope for their sustained commitment to public service.

The TOYM award, initiated by the Philippine Jaycees, Inc., promotes the ideals of leadership, integrity, professional excellence, and service to the nation. Now on its 45th year, the award seeks to provide national recognition to young men and women whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted to significant contributions to the welfare of their countrymen.

* conducted by Aileen F. Macalintal, student assistant of ICSU