By Genalyn Kabiling
President Rodrigo Duterte has formally conferred the Order of National Scientist on Dr. Emil Q. Javier for his achievements in advancing science and technology in the country.
President Rodrigo Duterte
(ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
At the conferment ceremony held on Tuesday in Malacañang, the President said he hopes the public will emulate Javier's perseverance, curiosity, and commitment. Javier, former University of the Philippines (UP) president, is a plant geneticist and agronomist.
"The whole nation owes its deepest gratitude to Dr. Javier for his promising contributions to the scientific community, particularly in tropical agricultural research and production. His work has spurred many applications in agronomy, plant breeding, seed production, and management of tropical grasses and legumes, among others," the President said in his remarks.
"May Dr. Javier’s perseverance, curiosity and commitment inspire everyone to emulate his innovativeness in the science and other serious studies of our environment. It is my hope that his success will encourage more Filipino scientists across the nation to carry on with their work and help achieve a sustainable and inclusive future for every Filipino," he added.
Duterte said Javier's dedication to advance the frontiers of science and knowledge for the common good has played a significant role in alleviating poverty. "Your leadership at the Institute of Plant Breeding advanced the production of high-yielding crops and disease-resistant varieties in the Philippines and in Asia, paving the way to better nourishment and an improved quality of life for our people," he said.
He also recognized Javier's promotion of sound agricultural policies and programs, massive utilization of climate and environment-friendly agricultural innovations, and improved governance and management systems to help improve the productivity of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
Duterte acknowledged the critical role of science and technology in the development of our country. He said the administration will pursue programs and initiatives that will further enable, empower, and harness the potential of the scientific community to steer the country towards progress.
Javier, who received a medal and plaque from the President, said he accepted the National Scientist award "with great joy but mixed pain and embarrassment."
He said the rank and title of National Scientist is the highest recognition a lifelong academic like him can aspire for.
"But frankly, Mr. President, the joy is diminished by the painful reality that our farmers and fisherfolk remain impoverished and food insecure. Clearly, collectively, including myself, we have not done enough," he said. "For far too long, we have not invested enough and allowed agriculture to stagnate. There is no virtue in pointing fingers now because there is so much blame to spread around."
Javier, however, said he and the rest of the science community are "very happy and encouraged" with the programs to improve the agriculture sector. He cited the President's appointment of the "very knowledgeable" Agriculture Secretary and his support for the rice tariffication law.
"Just like the closure and rehabilitation of Boracay, the no-nonsense clearing of obstructions in streets and highway, and hopefully soon, the emancipation of the Coconut Levy Funds for the benefit of our poor coconut farmers, and the creation of a new Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, these are the kinds of tough political decisions that need to be done and we in the science community are very happy and encouraged that you are making them," he said.
"I therefore receive the award with a hopeful note that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the rural sector," he added.
Javier, born in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on Sept. 11, 1940, is a member of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and also Chair of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines (CAMP).
He earned his doctorate degree in plant breeding and genetics from Cornell University, master’s degree in agronomy from the University of Illinois, and bachelor’s degree in agriculture from UP Los Baños.
The Order of National Scientists is considered the highest national recognition conferred upon Filipinos for distinguished individual or collaborative achievement in the physical sciences and technology. National Scientists are given gratuities and are entitled to privileges likewise enjoyed by National Artists, including a monthly pension, medical benefits, and state burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.