Rafael Montinola Salas (August 7, 1928 – March 3, 1987) was a Filipino, the first head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

An article entitled "Knowing the Man and the Award" and published by the Commission on Population of the Philippines (POPCOM) cited Salas as "widely known as 'Mr.

He contributed articles to international magazines and newspapers drawing on his writing skills as past editor of the Philippine Law Journal.

It aims to perpetuate his legacy by recognizing local government units, individuals and institutions for their outstanding achievements and contributions to population management programs.

(1) It also seeks to recognize individuals and institutions who continuously pursue the ideals and visions of Salas to "achieve a better world for the present and future generations."

The lecture series began as a memorial and tribute to Salas under whose "leadership, the UNFPA grew from a small trust fund to the world's largest multilateral provider of population assistance."