Pangulong Marcos names Davide ‘national scientist’

CEBU, Philippines — Well-respected Cebuano agricultural scientist Dr. Romulo G. Davide is one of two that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) recently declared as “national scientists.”

The other who was given the same recognition is Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, who was cited with Davide for their achievements in the fields of genetics, nematology, and plant pathology.

President Marcos issued Proclamation No.642 and 643 on August 2, declaring Padilla and Davide as national scientists, respectively.

Both proclamations, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, were announced by the Presidential Communications Office yesterday.

The proclamations stated that as national scientists, Padilla and Davide would enjoy the “privileges and emoluments extended through current laws.”

It has been a state policy under the 1987 Constitution to give priority to science and technology, citing its importance for national development.

The rank and title of national scientist were created under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1003-A, dated Dec. 16, 1976.

Davide, a native of Argao, Cebu, was recognized for his work “in the field of nematology and plant pathology that resulted in the development of a biological control agent against nematodes, providing Filipino farmers with an alternative to chemical nematicides.”

Recognized as the” Father of Plant Nematology in the Philippines”, Davide is a founding member of the University of the Philippines Phytopathological Society (UPPS), which was formed in 1957.

His many remarkable achievements include leading the “Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program” and receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012.

“His pioneering work in plant nematology, including the discovery of the first biocontrol agent against plant nematodes, has provided innovative solutions for farmers, improved crop yields, and increased farmers' income,” UPPS said.

“Dr. Davide’s significant contributions to plant nematology and plant pathology have been truly groundbreaking. Congratulations, Dr. Davide! You are an inspiration!” it added.

Padilla, on the other hand, was recognized for her work in the field of genetics that greatly contributed to the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 9288, or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004, and RA No. 10747, or the Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines, based on the recommendation of the Secretary of Science and Technology and the National Academy of Science and Technology.

The two laws aim to prevent mental retardation and death from certain congenital disorders detectable at birth. —/RHM (FREEMAN)