RUTH A. SUGUITAN-LUCERO, Ph.D.
5th President of the
Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology
Dr. Ruth A. Suguitan-Lucero, a multi-awarded researcher, academician, fifth and the first woman President of the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), was born on August 25, 1958 and the third child of Francisco and Eufrocina Suguitan.
Lucero graduated valedictorian in 1971 at the Malita Central Elementary School in Malita, Davao Occidental, and again in 1975 from Holy Cross of Malita where she emerged as a leader and achiever. Geared with passion for learning and dedication to excel, she had proven her outstanding qualities when she graduated Cum Laude from the Ateneo de Davao University with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1980. Learning is boundless and Lucero, as humble lass from Malita never ceased to aspire for greater heights as an academician. She earned her Master of Arts in Science Education from the University of Southeastern Philippines, Master of Science in Marine Biodiversity from Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology, Zamboanga City under the CHED-MAEP and Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education from Davao del Norte State College. She also completed her professional masters in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management as a scholar of the San Miguel Global Foundation in 2016.
She received the NAGAO-NEF Research Grant from Japan for her study on Ecological Studies on Dugong Population and its Environment in Malita, Mindanao. She has participated in various paper presentation in the local and international arena. She was also a recipient of a fellowship grant of the Philippine-Australia Short Term Training (PASTT), University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute Scholarship and San Miguel Foundation.
In all her career and academic triumphs, she was devotedly supported by her husband, Matias Jaso Lucero. Her children, Francis Kunztantin and Eustine Maru inspire her to become an excellent educator, wife and mother who selflessly contributes to her community. She bagged the “Tanging Ina” award during the women’s day celebration and was bestowed an award on the exemplary practice of profession by the local government of Malita, Davao Occidental. She spent most of her life in SPAMAST as Director of Fishery Research Institute, Director for Instruction and Chairperson of the Graduate School and the Education Department. The school holds a special place in her heart and her motherly personality draws her close to her colleagues. Her values mirror the genuine qualities of a woman – grace, humility, humor, excellence, and wisdom.
President Lucero envisions SPAMAST to become a premier academic hub in the southernmost part of Davao and the ASEAN regions, providing excellent education, in advancing valuable studies, public service, and relevant community involvement. She is now up to the challenge as her new journey unfolds as the first woman President of SPAMAST believing in functionality, accountability, integrity, transparency and harmony (FAITH).