Dr. Rosalinda C. Torres of the DOST-ITDI studies mostly on applications of chemistry on natural products, drug discovery as well as medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry. (Photo from dostv.ph)
Dr. Rosalinda C. Torres and Dr. Marissa A. Paglicawan were two of eight Filipino scientists who were featured in the 2019 edition of Asian Scientist 100. Dr. Torres is from Standards and Testing Division while Dr. Paglicawan is from Materials Science Division, both under the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI)
Dr. Torres was recognized for her research on larvicidal potential of Philippine medicinal plants like avocado, guyabano, and pomelo. These plants, based on her studies, have extracts that are toxic for pests like mosquito while in their larva stage.
Dr. Paglicawan’s research efforts to use Manila hemp or abaca in engineering materials led to her citation. In their previous project, “Tryk ni Juan”, Dr. Paglicawan developed a composite material made of resin and abaca fiber as roofing for tricycles. This innovation makes tricycles more appealing and lighter as well. Abaca or Manila hemp is Philippine endemic.
The Asian Scientist Magazine aims to highlight most outstanding Asian researchers for their achievements in respective disciplines. Accordingly, the citation reads, “the honoree must have received a national or international prize in 2018 for his or her research. Alternatively, he or she must have made a significant scientific discovery or provided leadership in academia or industry.” Some categories include environmental science and geology, astronomy, leadership, chemistry, among others.
Other Filipino scientists who also made it to this year’s Asian Scientist 100 are:
- Artemio M. Salazar from the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Banos for pioneering the rice:corn blend, a high-protein meal alternate for rice;
- Ricardo S. Balog from the University of Santo Tomas for developing low-cost medical devices;
- Elmer P. Dadios from the De La Salle University for his works on swarm robotics and artificial intelligence;
- Charissa Marcaida Ferrera from UP Diliman for her researches on improving water quality in marine environments;
- Gay Jane P. Perez from UP Diliman for her studies using satellite data to improve agriculture for precision farming; and
- Rody G. Sy from UP Manila for his efforts in cardiology in the country.