Ex-UP president declared national scientist

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has conferred the rank and title of National Scientist to former University of the Philippines president Emil Javier in recognition of his contributions to agriculture.  

Javier, also former chancellor of UP Los Baños, was named a National Scientist through Proclamation No. 781 signed by Duterte last Aug. 2. 

In the proclamation, Duterte said Javier’s work in the field of agriculture “evinces his outstanding contributions to the progress of science and technology in the Philippines and the world.”

It also lauded him for leading and promoting sound agricultural policies and programs; massive use of climate resilient and environment friendly agricultural innovations; and improved governance and management systems to help improve the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. 

“Emil Javier, in the pursuit of his lifelong mission to look after the needs of the poor by capitalizing on the resources of modern science, played an active role in the efforts to inform the public about the nature of science and its potential to improve people’s access to food and health, and to emphasize the need for high safety standards in both research and production of biotechnological innovations,” the proclamation read. 

A geneticist and agronomist, Javier is the 17th president of UP. He obtained his doctorate in plant breeding and genetics from Cornell University.

The rank and title of national scientist was created in 1976 under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A as amended by Executive Order No. 236. 

The decree defines a scientist as an individual who has earned a doctoral degree in any field of the sciences in an accredited university, and has demonstrated and earned distinction in independent research or significant innovative achievement in the basic and applied sciences. The doctoral degree requirement may be waived “in highly meritorious and extremely exceptional cases.”

National Scientists are entitled to gratuities and privileges enjoyed by national artists including lifetime material and physical benefits, cash award of P200,000, a minimum lifetime personal monthly stipend of P30,000, and life insurance.