Lourdes J. Cruz. A celebrated Filipina biochemist, Dr.

Cruz is the newest Filipina to be

conferred the rank of National Scientist. She has produced over 120 scientific papers,
which mostly focused on the understanding of the biochemistry of toxic peptides
gathered from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine snail. Her studies contributed to
the characterization of over 50 biologically active peptides, which were later used as
biochemical probes for examining the activities of the human brain. In 2001, she
established the Rural Livelihood Incubator, a program which aimed to alleviate poverty
and socio-political instability in the rural areas by giving job and livelihood opportunities
to their people.

Rural Livelihood Incubator:

Lourdes Cruz established the Rural Livelihood Incubator in 2001. The program offers jobs and
training in an effort to decrease poverty for rural Filipino