The Order of National Scientist, the highest recognition
given to a Filipino scientist for his or her significant
inputs in science and technology, was awarded to an academician
and an economist last July 27, 2011 during the opening ceremony
of the 2011
National Science and Technology Week at the SMX Convention
Center in Pasay City, Philippines.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino awarded the title of
National Scientist to Fr.
Bienvenido Nebres, a former president of Ateneo
de Manila University, and economist Dr.
Raul Fabella, for their notable contributions to Philippine
S&T. Dr. Fabella was recognized for his work in the
field of Economics as well as his active involvement and
impact in many “policy battles” such as the exchange rate
policy, tax and public expenditure policy; Dr. Nebres, meanwhile,
was awarded for his exemplary work in the field of Mathematics.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lorenza Gonzales-Lirio of the Benguet
State University received the Julian A. Banzon Medal
for Applied Research for her work on Job’s tears, a tall
grain-bearing tropical plant of the family Poaceae which
is considered by farmers as weeds. From her research, the
medicinal and food uses of Job’s tears were rediscovered.
The commercialization of products from Job’s tears, according
to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has
significantly benefitted the communities in Benguet because
it has provided “alternative food and income source, thereby
contributing to food security and economic empowerment.”
In recognition of his development efforts for the University
of the Philippines Los Baños, its Chancellor, Dr. Luis
Rey Velasco, was awarded the 2011 NSTW Outstanding Science
Administrator (Dioscoro L. Umali) Medal. DOST cited “Under
his management, UPLB has made major investments in the development
of its land endowments for income generation, such as the
establishment of citronella plantation, rubber plantation
and recently plans for alternative energy-generating projects
and water impoundment facilities.”
This year’s National Science and Technology Week was themed
“Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa” (Hope is in Science); the weeklong
event showcased the latest technologies from the Philippine
community.
The original article about this story may be found in http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=710699&publicationSubCategoryId=63.
For more information or updates about Philippine science
and technology, particularly on biotechnology, visit www.bic.searca.org
or e-mail bic_at_agri.searca.org.
(Jenny
A. Panopio and Sophia
M. Mercado)
