The Philippine
National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) recently
conferred the title of Academician to Dr. Ernesto J. Del
Rosario, a distinguished scientist known for his research
contributions in physical chemistry and industrial biotechnology.
Dr. Del Rosario is one of the country’s leading experts
in biofuels and recognized through his novel research and
development works on bioethanol fermentation processes using
saccharine, starch substrates, as well as agricultural wastes.
Further, he studied the preparation, application and production
of important enzymes such as alpha-amylase, glucoamylase,
cellulose and xylanase needed for bioethanol production.
Notably, he holds two patents for his inventions on low
cost fermentation process and the purification and stabilization
of alpha-amylase.
Other newly-conferred NAST Academicians were Dr. Aura Matias
of the University
of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) for her contributions
in the field of industrial engineering, and Dr. Agnes Rola
of the UP
Los Baños (UPLB), for her body of works devoted to agricultural
economics and sustainable community development. Similarly,
Dr. Eduardo Mendoza, who is based in Germany, was conferred
the title of ‘Corresponding Member’ for his outstanding
scientific achievements in mathematics and systems biology.
The conferment was made during the culminating ceremonies
of the 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the NAST, the country’s
highest advisory and recognition body on science and technology,
held at the Manila Hotel on 14 July 2011. The latest scientific
meeting focused on the challenges of agricultural productivity,
competitiveness and sustainability. (Jenny
A. Panopio and Rochella
B. Lapitan)
