President Marcos has declared Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla and Dr. Romulo G. Davide as national scientists for their achievements in the fields of genetics and nematology and plant pathology.
 

(From left) National scientists Romulo Davide and Carmencita Padilla (Photos courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)

Proclamations No. 642 and 643, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Aug. 2, named both Padilla and Davide as national scientists.
 

“Upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Science and Technology and the National Academy of Science and Technology, Padilla was recognized for her work in the field of genetics,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said. 
 

Padilla, the statement added, greatly contributed to the enactment of Republic Act No. 9288, or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004, and RA No. 10747, or the Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines.
 

“Those legislations aim to prevent mental retardation and death from certain congenital disorders detectable at birth,” the PCO added.
 

On the other hand, Davide was recognized for his work in nematology, or the study of roundworms, and plant pathology, or the study of plant diseases.
 

His works “resulted in the development of a biological control agent against nematodes, which provided Filipino farmers with an alternative to chemical nematicides.”
 

“Through the President’s proclamations, the two experts were accorded the rank and title of national scientist with the privileges and emoluments extended through current laws,” the PCO said.
 

Under the 1987 Constitution, the state’s policy was to give priority to science and technology to underscore the importance of national development.
 

The state gives priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their utilization, the PCO added.
 

The rank and title of national scientist was created under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, dated Dec. 16, 1976.