Alumni Update August 12 – 18, 2024
Silliman alumnus named PRC’s 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the Field of Chemistry
Outstanding Sillimanian Awardee (OSA) Edna Callejas-Mijares was recently awarded 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Chemistry by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) last August 2, 2024 at the Forbes Ballroom, Conrad Manila, in Pasay City.
The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award, established in 1997, recognizes the achievement and service of professionals who excel in their respective fields. According to PRC Commissioner Edwin M. Enad, overall chairperson for the 2024 PRC Awards, nominees are evaluated based on their academic achievements, professional participation, significant contributions to their field, and impact on the community.
Edna Callejas-Mijares is a member of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP), the recognized Accredited Professional Organization (APO) for Chemistry professionals, following 20 years of dedicated and transformative service. She provided invaluable support for the passage of the Professional Chemistry Law (RA 10657) in 2015 after a 15-year effort. As the previous Vice-President for External Affairs, Edna worked tirelessly to implement RA 10657, assisting the Board of Chemistry and empowering various local chapters.
Mrs. Callejas-Mijares’ intangible contributions to the profession are further emphasized by her numerous accolades, including her recognition as an OSA in 2011, the Most Distinguished Achievement Award in Industry by the Kapisanan ng mga Kimiko sa Pilipinas – Southern Tagalog Chapter in 2021, the Distinction Award for Service to the Chemistry Profession by the Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies (PFCS) in 2021, and the Distinction Award for Chemistry by the Philippine Federation of Professionals Association (PFPA) in 2022. These awards underscore her exceptional impact on the field.
Edna Callejas-Mijares earned her BS Chemistry at Silliman in 1974. She was conferred the Outstanding Sillimanian Award in the field of Entrepreneurship in Chemistry in 2011. Mijares is an active alumni chapter member and founding adviser of the Sillimanians in Southern Tagalog (SINTA).