Academician and economist Raul Fabella is National Scientist

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday conferred the Order of National Scientist on academician and economist Raul Fabella.

Fabella was cited for “his notable involvement in many policy battles such as the NBN-ZTE scandal, the looming fiscal crisis, J2K crisis, exchange rate policy, tax and public expenditure policy, currency overvaluation and CARP, to name a few, where he provided strong, intellectual rigor and evidence-based perspectives.”

The Order of National Scientist is the highest honor given by the President to a man or woman of science in the Philippines who has made significant contributions to the field of science and technology.

Fabella is known for his outstanding accomplishments and remarkable contributions as a scientist, researcher, mentor, leader, collaborator and administrators in the field of economics at the University of the Philippines Diliman and throughout the country.

Fabella’s conferment was one of the highlights of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) opening ceremonies held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Apart from Fabella, Dr. Lorenza Gonzales-Lirio and Dr. Luis Rey Velasco were also given recognition for their contributions to the field of science and technology.

Lirio was given the Julian A. Banzon medal (2011 Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research) while Velasco was given the Dioscoro L. Umali medal (2011 NSTW Outstanding Science Administrator).

Lirio was recognized for her successful research and development work on Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi Lynn), a neglected tropical food plant belonging to the grass family.

Velasco, on the other hand, was cited for his sterling commitment, dedication, leadership and his meritorious service as chancellor of the UP Los Baños for two consecutive terms.