Dr. Dennis V. Umali, a faculty member at the College of Veterinary Medicine and an expert in veterinary disease control and innovative diagnostic approaches, has been named one of the recipients of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for 2024. 

JCI Philippines, in partnership with the TOYM Foundation and other stakeholders, accorded Umali the award for his accomplishments in veterinary medicine. The TOYM Awards are given annually to highlight Filipino excellence and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Umali specializes in the molecular epidemiology of poultry and livestock diseases. His expertise in veterinary disease control and innovative diagnostic approaches have significantly advanced food-animal medicine in the Philippines. He has also assisted in the control of major animal disease outbreaks, benefiting both industry stakeholders and government agencies and strengthening food security and safety in the country. 

Umali and his research team are the pioneers in the molecular epidemiological characterization of the country’s recent devastating animal disease outbreaks, including the genotype VII Newcastle disease virus in 2015, the clade 2.3.4.4C H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2017, the genotype II African swine fever virus (ASFV) in 2019, and the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI in 2022.

Through his advocacy, Umali envisions helping make the country a leading regional technical hub for livestock and poultry diseases in Asia by establishing world-class education, research, and training programs through strong partnerships with international organizations, regional stakeholders, farmers, veterinary companies, and other government agencies.

He earned the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, magna cum laude, from UPLB in 2007 and, in the same year, topped the veterinary licensure examination. He finished PhD in Veterinary Science from the United Graduate School of Veterinary Science at the Yamaguchi University in Japan in 2014. He is also currently taking his post-graduate certification as an international expert in poultry production and health at the University of Luxembourg/ Universite de Montreal through the World Veterinary Education in Production Animal Health-World Organization for Animal Health Program.

The TOYM Award is the latest in the string of awards that Umali has received. He is also the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Veterinarian Award in Education from the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award in Science and Technology (Molecular Epidemiology) from the UP Alumni Association, and the 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award in Veterinary Medicine by the Professional Regulation Commission.

He was awarded the 2023 UPLB Distinguished Alumni Award for Veterinary Research by the UPLB Alumni Association, the 2016 World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA) Young Poultry Veterinarian of the Year Award, the 2015 Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) of the Philippines Award from the Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology, and the 2007 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Award.

TOYM is a prestigious award that honors Filipinos who have made exceptional contributions to their respective fields and communities and demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and service, embodying the spirit of excellence and dedication.