'Father of Plant Nematology' Romulo Davide declared as National Scientist
Filipino scientist Romulo Davide, who is known as the "Father of Plant Nematology," has been declared as a National Scientist by the government for his achievements in the fields of nematology and plant pathology.
In accordance with Proclamation No. 643 issued by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Davide was recognized for his development of a biological control agent against nematodes, providing Filipino farmers with an alternative to chemical nematicides.
Called "BIOCON," the biological control product is considered a first in the Philippines and can be used against nematode pests that attack vegetables, banana, potato, citrus, pineapple, rice, and other crops.
Nematodes are defined as tiny roundworms that live in the soils of our gardens, crop fields, and landscapes. While some are helpful for plants, others result in more harm than good, prompting farmers to use chemical agents to control these parasitic worms.
The same product also paved the way for Davide to be the lone Filipino awardee at the 2012 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, which is Asia's premier prize and highest honor.
The veteran scientist has long been known for his contributions to the agricultural sciences.
He was previously given the "Outstanding Agricultural Scientist" title by the Department of Agriculture in 1994. He used his award money to launch the "Corn-Based Farmer-Scientists Training Program" in Colawin, which aims to instill scientific skills into farmers to help them carry out experiments, discover effective techniques, manage the market, and increase production.
Davide finished his studies in agriculture with a focus on plant pathology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 1957. He went on to earn his master’s degree in plant pathology from Oklahoma State University in 1962 before completing his doctorate degree at North Carolina State University in 1965.
A retired professor at his college alma mater, he is the older brother of another Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, former chief justice Hilario Davide.
Apart from Davide, the government has also named clinical geneticist and pediatrician Carmencita David Padilla as a National Scientist in the field of genetics.
According to Proclamations No. 642, Padilla was honored for her work that 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. These legislations aim to prevent mental retardation and death from certain congenital disorders that can be detected at birth.
The Order of National Scientist Award (Orden ng Gawad ng Pambansang Alagad ng Agham) is regarded as the highest national recognition given to a person of science in the Philippines. It's administered by the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines, and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Academy.
