Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. was appointed as the new secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, confirms Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles, August 12.
A promising native of Odiongan, Solidum spent his youth in the University compound while his parents taught at Romblon State University, formerly known as Romblon Agricultural College (RAC) at that time. Reno Solidum, his younger brother, is the incumbent Records Officer of the University.
In 1980, Solidum finished his secondary education as class valedictorian at RAC. During his stay, he represented the school in local and national science competitions.
To pursue his interest in science, he took B.S. Geology at the University of the Philippines – Diliman. He continued his graduate studies in the United States where he was conferred the degrees M.Sc. in Geological Sciences from the University of Illinois and Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego.
Prior to his appointment, Solidum worked with the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology since 1984 and became its director in 2003 up to February 15. He was appointed Undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation and assigned as Officer-in-Charge of PHIVOLCS in March 2017.
The director received the accolades Presidential Citation for Public Service, Presidential Lingkod Bayan (Civil Servant) Award of the Civil Service Commission, Professional of the Year in the field of Geology of the Professional Regulation Commission, Excellence Award for Government Service of the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations, and Presidential Career Executive Service Award by the Career Executive Service Board.
Solidum married Gladys F. Mortel, a resident of Ligaya, Odiongan. The couple settled in Pasig and bore three children.
The geologist has been active in many national and global initiatives on disaster risk reduction. The University lauds its alumnus for exemplifying honor and excellence in his 38 years of public service.