National Scientist Dr. Ramon C. Barba, who was behind the year-round availability of fresh mangoes, is set to be accorded a state funeral on Saturday, Oct. 16.
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), the country’s highest recognition and advisory body on science and technology, announced this in a Facebook post on Friday, Oct. 15.
“NAST PHL is organizing a necrological service for National Scientist Ramon Barba tomorrow, 16 October 2021 (9 a.m.) at the Department of Science and Technology,” read the post.
“This will be followed by the State Funeral (12 p.m.) at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City,” the NAST PHL further wrote.
National Scientists have the right to be given a state funeral by virtue of law. On Oct. 26, 1993, former President Fidel V. Ramos signed Executive Order No. 131 declaring that “National Artists and National Scientists are national heroes who, upon death, are entitled to state funeral, the arrangement for and the expenses of which shall be borne by the government, upon death.”
The last state funeral was held on July 4, 2012 for the late National Scientist Perla Santos-Ocampo, according to a government bulletin released in 2012.
Barba died on Oct. 10 at the age of 82.
Barba was recognized for his achievement in the field of plant physiology, focusing on the induction of flowering of mango and on micropropagation of crop species.
In 2014, late President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of National Scientist to Barba and fellow academicians Angel Alcala; Gavino Trono; and Edgardo Gomez.
The award is the highest recognition to an individual who earned a doctoral degree in any field of science and has made significant contributions in one of the different fields of science and technology.
Barba’s flower induction treatment is considered as the most significant breakthrough in mango research in the country.
Among the numerous awards received by Barba were the following: The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines for Agriculture by the Philippine Jaycees (1974), Rizal Pro Patria Presidential Award for Tissue Culture (1980), the Most Distinguished Alumni Award, University of the Philippines (2004), and the SEARCA-Dioscoro L. Umali Achievement Award in Agricultural Development (2011).
He was born on Aug. 31, 1939 in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte to Juan Madamba Barba and Lourdes Cabanos.