CSC lauds Dangal ng Bayan awardee

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) cited last week the outstanding accomplishments of one of its Dangal ng Bayan awardees.

Lucille Abad, supervising science research specialist at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), said Filipinos now know that nuclear science has far more uses than manufacturing weapons of war and running power plants.

Abad has devoted most of her career to studying the practical uses of nuclear technology. In 2000, equipped with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and Management, Abad developed a radiation-treated healing patch for wounds and burns.

With the help of her team from PNRI, Abad came up with a hydrogel dressing made from a synthetic polymer and carrageenan, a natural polymer extracted from seaweed abundant in Philippine seas.

Abad used gamma radiation to hold the polymer chains together and to sterilize the product. “The use of radiation may scare some people, but we assure them that the product is completely safe to use,” she said.

The hydrogel comes in the form of a transparent sheet, three to four millimeters thick, and contains 90 percent water. Its moist nature makes it perfect for use as a dressing for burns, wounds and bedsores, promoting faster and infection-free healing.

Last year, Abad was conferred the Dangal ng Bayan Award, one of three awards given to outstanding public employees under the Honor Awards Program (HAP), for her admirable work ethic and outstanding accomplishments in science and research.

“It’s easy to be taken for granted when in government. I don’t mind the salary because I love what I’m doing. I’m happy with research,” Abad said.

The HAP aims to promote a culture of excellence in public service and seeks to recognize and reward state workers for their accomplishments and exemplary conduct.

The CSC is encouraging the public to submit nominations to the 2012 Search for Outstanding Public Servants. Contact the HAP Secretariat at tel 931-7993 or 932-0381.Entries will be accepted until April 30, 2012.