Summary

This document profiles notable Filipino scientists, highlighting their areas of expertise and contributions to various fields. The profiles showcase significant research in areas like tropical fruit production, biochemistry, and marine biology.

Full Transcript

National Scientists of the Philippines THE RANK AND TITLE OF ORDER OF NATIONAL SCIENTISTS OF THE Guess Who PHILIPPINES, ABBREVIATED AS ONS (FILIPINO: PAMBANSANG ALAGAD NG AGHAM NG PILIPINAS) OR THE ORDER OF NATIONAL SCIENTISTS IS THE HIGHEST AWARD ACCORDED TO...

National Scientists of the Philippines THE RANK AND TITLE OF ORDER OF NATIONAL SCIENTISTS OF THE Guess Who PHILIPPINES, ABBREVIATED AS ONS (FILIPINO: PAMBANSANG ALAGAD NG AGHAM NG PILIPINAS) OR THE ORDER OF NATIONAL SCIENTISTS IS THE HIGHEST AWARD ACCORDED TO FILIPINO SCIENTISTS BY THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT. President Ferdinand Marcos created The award on December 16, 1976, through Presidential Decree Nos. 1003 and 1003-A also created the National Academy of Science and Technology. For the law, a scientist is defined as “an individual who has earned a doctoral degree in any field of the sciences” and “has demonstrated and earned distinction in independent research or significant innovative achievement in the basic and applied sciences, including agricultural, engineering, and medical sciences, in mathematics and the social sciences as manifested by published works in recognized scientific and technical journals.”It was elevated to the Order of National Scientists in 2003. ne Frank Guess Nomination and Who selection It is the task of the National Academy of Science and Technology which is composed of Filipino scientists to recommend not more than 10 scientists annually to the President of the Philippines for conferment of the rank of National Scientist. It is the President of the Philippines who makes the ultimate selection, which is based on "distinguished individual or collaborative achievement in science and technology. ne Frank BENEFITS Guess Who Awardees are conferred the rank and title of National Scientist, with an accompanying medallion and citation. They are also given a financial gratuity, the amount of which is determined by the National Academy. In addition, they are entitled to the same privileges enjoyed by National Artists of the Philippines, which include a monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits, and a place of honors, in line with protocolary precedence, at national state functions. They are likewise by law entitled upon death to a state funeral conducted by the National Academy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, befitting their recognized status as heroes of the Philippines. ne Frank Notable Pinoy Scientists Dr. Ramon Cabanos Barba was a renowned Filipino horticulturist best known for his work in the field of tropical fruit production, particularly in mango cultivation. His groundbreaking research on inducing flowering in mango trees revolutionized the Philippine mango industry and earned him national and international recognition. Barba developed a technique using potassium nitrate to induce mango trees to flower out of season, greatly enhancing mango production and allowing farmers to harvest mangoes year-round. This discovery had a significant economic impact on mango farming not only in the Philippines but also in other tropical regions. For his contributions, Dr. Barba received numerous awards, including being named a National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014. His work continues to influence agricultural practices, particularly in the field of horticulture, and has left a lasting legacy in the agricultural sector. Dr. Ramon Cabanos Barba Carabao mango may be a highly seasonal fruit, producing mostly in April and May, but with the use of potassium nitrate (KNO3) as flower inducer, it is now possible to induce these mango trees to flower and produce practically all throughout the year. Dr. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz is a renowned Filipino scientist, particularly known for her work in biochemistry and toxicology. She has made significant contributions to the study of conotoxins, which are toxins derived from the venom of marine cone snails (genus Conus). These toxins have been studied for their potential applications in neuroscience and pharmacology, especially in the development of painkillers and treatments for neurological diseases. Dr. Cruz's research has helped in understanding how these toxins work at the molecular level, targeting specific ion channels and receptors in the nervous system. Her work has garnered numerous awards and recognition, both locally and internationally. Dr. Cruz has also been involved in various initiatives to promote science and technology in the Philippines, particularly encouraging the participation of women in scientific research. She has been recognized by organizations such as the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in the Philippines and has contributed significantly to the scientific community both through her research and her efforts to Dr. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz uplift science education in the country. Using the venom from Conus marine snails, her work on biologically active peptides contributed to the development of conotoxins as biochemical probes for examining the activities of the brain. Dr. Fabian Dayrit, a notable Filipino scientist, has conducted research on Lagundi (Vitex negundo), a traditional medicinal plant in the Philippines. Lagundi is commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as cough, asthma, and colds. Dr. Dayrit's work has largely been focused on validating the traditional uses of Philippine medicinal plants through scientific studies. In the context of Lagundi, his research has helped affirm its effectiveness in: 1.Anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties – Studies show that Lagundi can help reduce symptoms related to asthma and inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract. 2.Bronchodilator effects – Dr. Dayrit's work supports Lagundi’s ability to help in dilating the airways, thus alleviating breathing difficulties, particularly in cases of asthma. 3.Potential use for viral infections – During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lagundi was researched as a potential adjunct treatment. While not a cure, Dr. Dayrit and other researchers found that it could help alleviate mild symptoms of COVID-19, particularly respiratory issues. Dr. Fabian Millar Dayrit Their research established the effectivity of lagundi for colds, and through the combined efforts of various Philippine research institutions, lagundi tablets and syrups were developed and are now available as medicines in our country. This provides alternatives to synthetic drugs because plant-based medicines from indigenous Philippine plants to help treat other illnesses. Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III is a renowned Filipino scientist who made significant contributions to aquaculture, particularly in the development of monosex tilapia farming. Monosex tilapia, specifically male tilapia, are favored in aquaculture because males grow faster than females. Dr. Guerrero developed a method for producing all-male populations of tilapia by using hormonal treatments during the early stages of the fish’s development. This breakthrough significantly increased the efficiency and productivity of tilapia farming. His work has been a critical advancement for the tilapia industry, especially in the Philippines, where tilapia is a staple food source and an important part of the economy. By focusing on mono-sex tilapia, he helped improve food security and provided more sustainable farming practices. Dr. Rafael Dineros Guererro III According to Dr. Guerrero, applying the sex reversal feed method with a success rate of at least 95 percent requires the production of the right age of the fry for treatment, preparation of the hormone feed or its procurement, and the proper application of the treatment. Dr. Luz Oliveros-Belardo was a renowned Filipino chemist known for her significant contributions to the field of natural product chemistry, particularly in the study of essential oils. Some of her key contributions include: 1.Pioneering Research on Essential Oils: Dr. Oliveros-Belardo focused extensively on essential oils derived from Philippine plants. Her research played a crucial role in identifying the chemical compositions and potential uses of these oils, particularly for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. 2.Extraction Methods: She developed and improved methods of extracting essential oils, ensuring the preservation of their active compounds. Her work helped establish the Philippines as a valuable source of essential oils from its rich biodiversity. 3.Essential Oil of Philippine Medicinal Plants: Dr. Oliveros-Belardo's research on local plants like ilang-ilang (cananga), citronella, and pandan contributed to understanding their properties, including antimicrobial and medicinal applications. Dr. Luz Oliveroz-Belardo Extracting essential oils and other chemicals from native Philippine plants for pharmaceuticals, food production, scents, and other applications. For example, she developed an experimental formulation based on apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus) oleoresin that was suitable for motor fuel. Dr. Enrique Mapua Ostrea is a prominent figure in the field of pediatric medicine, particularly known for his work on the meconium drug test. This test involves analyzing a newborn's meconium (the first stool) to detect the presence of drugs and substances that the mother may have used during pregnancy. His research has highlighted the importance of meconium testing in identifying potential drug exposure in infants, which can help guide medical care and interventions. The test is valuable for assessing the health risks associated with in utero drug exposure, as it provides a longer detection window compared to urine testing, since meconium can retain drug metabolites for several weeks. Ostrea has also been involved in advocating for the use of meconium testing in clinical practice to improve outcomes for newborns and support families affected by substance use. If you’re looking for more specific information or have questions about a particular aspect of his work, let me know! Dr. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Meconium drug testing involves analyzing a newborn's meconium, which is the first stool passed by an infant, for the presence of drugs or their metabolites. This type of testing is typically performed to assess whether the mother used drugs during pregnancy, as substances can be transferred from the mother to the fetus. Marine Conservation and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Dr. Alcala was instrumental in developing and promoting the concept of MPAs in the Philippines, areas where human activities like fishing are regulated or prohibited to protect marine ecosystems. He helped establish the first community-based MPA in Sumilon Island, Cebu, in the 1970s. His research showed that fish populations and coral reefs in these MPAs flourished compared to unprotected areas. His work demonstrated the effectiveness of MPAs in restoring depleted fish populations and preserving biodiversity. Coral Reef and Fish Studies Dr. Alcala conducted extensive research on the ecology of coral reefs and the various species of marine life that inhabit them. He documented the rich biodiversity of Philippine marine environments. His studies on the recruitment of fish larvae into coral reefs have been vital in understanding the dynamics of fish populations, which is critical for effective fisheries management. DR. ANGEL ALCALA Dr. Alcala may be best known for his research related to the rehabilitation of coral reefs. In 1977, he created the first artificial reef, and this reef became a model for many other fisheries development programs around the world.

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