This Women’s Month, Food Safety Trends PH Magazine, Glenwood Technologies International, Inc., and the Institute of Food Safety Advancement recognize women whose work continues to advance food safety, food science, and quality practices in the Philippines.

Among them is Dr. Maria Leonora “Lotis” Francisco, a respected food technologist, educator, and researcher whose contributions have helped shape the field of food science both in the Philippines and internationally.

Dr. Francisco is a professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of the University of the Philippines Diliman and has over 30 years of experience in the academe. Her work spans consumer and sensory science, food packaging, product development, food functionality, and processing optimization. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in food science and technology, mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field.

Her contributions to food science have been widely recognized. In 2025, Dr. Francisco was honored as a Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)—one of the highest distinctions awarded to individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence and significant impact in the global food science community. She is notably the first Filipino food scientist based in the Philippines to receive this distinction. She is also a Certified Food Scientist (CFS), a credential awarded by the International Food Science Certification Commission of IFT.

In addition, Dr. Francisco was inducted as a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST) in 2022, becoming the second Filipino to receive this recognition. She has also served in key leadership roles within the profession and is currently the 2026 President of the Philippine Association of Food Technologists (PAFT, Inc.), marking her seventh term leading the organization.

Beyond her academic and professional leadership, Dr. Francisco also contributes to national policy and professional standards. She currently serves as a Technical Panel Member for Food Technology under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and is a member of the CPSP-CATS Committee for Food Technology under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Dr. Francisco earned her PhD in Food Science from the University of Georgia, USA, and holds master’s degrees in Applied Science (Food Science and Technology) from the University of Western Sydney, Australia, and in Food Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Her work in research, education, professional leadership, and policy development continues to advance food science and food safety in the Philippines and in the broader global scientific community.

This Women’s Month, we recognize Dr. Maria Leonora “Lotis” Francisco for her dedication to advancing food science and for inspiring many students, researchers, and professionals who continue to pursue excellence in the field.