Manila, April 23 -- A researcher of the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines - Diliman will receive a PHP2 million grant for her study on sea cucumber biodiversity, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Thursday.

The amount will come from the DOST Secretary's Grant for Environment, and serves as a recognition for Rachel June Ravago-Gotanco's outstanding scientific and technological research work that contributes to environmental protection and conservation.

"Her proposal was evaluated by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)," DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said in a Viber message.

The NAST also provided Gotanco a PHP150,000 award as her research also tackles the sea cucumber's...