Emil Javier: Joy, pain in National Scientist award

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has conferred the National Scientist award on former University of the Philippines (UP) president Emil Javier for improving the country’s tropical agricultural research and crop production.

“The whole nation owes its deepest gratitude to Doctor Javier for his promising contributions to the scientific community, particularly in tropical agricultural research and [crop] production,” Duterte said.  

In his acceptance speech, Javier said he was grateful for the recognition, but he has mixed emotions due to the present state of farmers and fisherfolk in the country. 

“I accept the award, Mr. President, with great joy but mixed with pain and embarrassment,” Javier said.?Although the National Scientist award is the highest recognition and a lifelong aspiration for a person like him, Javier lamented that farmers and fisherfolk continue to face the same problems. 

“This joy is compounded by the fact that the recognition came by way of endorsement of my peers in the science community whose informed judgment I value and respect,” Javier said. “And the rank and title is conferred no less than by the President of the Republic. One cannot ask for more.” 

Javier was the 17th president of UP. He served between 1993 and 1999. He was conferred the award in August, but the formal ceremony was held only yesterday at Malacañang. His wife Alma, their children and grandchildren attended the event. 

“But frankly, Mr. President, the joy is diminished by the painful reality that our farmers and fisherfolk remain impoverished and food insecure,” Javier said.  

“Clearly, collectively, including myself, we have not done enough. For far too long, we have not invested enough and allowed agriculture to stagnate. There is no virtue in pointing fingers now because there is so much blame to spread around,” he added. 

Javier said the government could still do something to move agriculture forward with the technology and expertise of the Filipinos.

“We can do much better if only we can put our act together,” he said.

Duterte praised Javier.

“His work has spurred many applications in agronomy, plant breeding, seed production and management of tropical grasses and legumes, among others,” Duterte said.

He commended Javier’s dedication in advancing science and knowledge for the common good.

“Your leadership at the Institute of Plant Breeding advanced the production of ?high-yielding crops and disease-resistant varieties in the Philippines and in Asia, paving the way to better nourishment and an improved quality of life for our people,” Duterte said. 

“Moreover, you have promoted sound agricultural policies and programs, massive utilization of climate and environment-friendly agricultural innovations and improved governance and management systems to help improve the productivity of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk,” he added.