2 national scientists named

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos has declared a pioneer clinical geneticist and an award-winning agricultural scientist as national scientists to recognize their accomplishments in genetics, nematology and plant pathology.

Carmencita David Padilla, who led the establishment of several medical and laboratory facilities, and Romulo Gelbolingo Davide, known as the “Father of Plant Nematology,” joined the roster of national scientists through Proclamations 642 and 643, respectively.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed both proclamations by the authority of President Marcos last Aug. 2.

Padilla was recognized for her work in genetics, which greatly contributed to the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 and the Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines. The laws seek to prevent mental retardation and death from certain congenital disorders detectable at birth.

In 2023, Marcos conferred the Order of National Scientist on Padilla, who was honored for her pioneering work on newborn screening in the Philippines and the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center. However, the proclamation granting her the rank and title came nearly a year after the conferment.

Meanwhile, Davide was recognized for his work in nematology and plant pathology, which paved the way to the development of a biological control agent against nematodes.

Former science secretary Fortunato dela Peña hailed the President’s conferment of the much-deserved honor to Davide, saying that this award is “long overdue.”

“He devoted his life as a scientist to help improve the lot of corn farmers particularly in the Central Visayas region,” Dela Peña said.

Davide’s work provided Filipino farmers with an alternative to chemical nematicides. He has also done many years of teaching and groundbreaking research on nematode pests that infest crops, thus naming him the “Father of Plant Nematology.”

In 1994, Davide pioneered a program that trains farmers to use scientific methods in farming and package and market their products effectively. He won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012.

The Order of National Scientist Award is the highest national recognition given to a man or woman of science in the Philippines. It is administered by the National Academy of Science and Technology and conferred by the President upon recommendation of the academy.— Rainier Allan Ronda