University of the Philippines Manila (UP-Manila) chancellor Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla received the most prestigious award in science for her outstanding work in newborn screening and genomics when she was named the 43rd National Scientist of the Philippines.
The Order of National Scientist, the highest honor given to scientists, was awarded to Padilla by President Marcos, according to UP Manila on Sept. 28.
The conferment was administered by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
Padilla, who is also a pediatrician, is known for her contributions to newborn screening and for the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center (PCG).
UP noted that her notable studies were conducted on the “prevalence and cost-benefits analysis of a national program for newborn screening to prevent mental retardation and death from certain congenital disorders detectable at birth.”
“This research is being implemented in 7,400+ health facilities in the Philippines and has saved babies from mental retardation and death,” UP said.
It added that in the field of genomics, her most recent contribution was the setting up of the PGC as a multidisciplinary institution that combines basic and applied research for the development of health diagnostics, therapeutics, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) forensics, preventive products, and the improvement of crop varieties in the country.
The recognition ceremony, held at the Malacañan Palace on Aug.31, was witnessed by her family, colleagues, and fellow members of the academic and healthcare communities.
She pursued her Doctor of Medicine at the UP Manila, where she excelled and was considered an outstanding graduate after completing her pre-medicine course at UP Diliman and graduating with honors in 1976.
In 2013, she was part of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World, US-based Female Women's Network, with over 100 publications of her original research, textbook chapters, and magazine articles proving that her limit is beyond the skies.