PH National Scientist Clare Baltazar dies

National Scientist Clare Baltazar | PHOTO: National Academy of Science and Technology

MANILA, Philippines — National Scientist Clare Baltazar, one of the pioneers in Philippine entomology, passed away on Saturday, the Philippine Association of Entomologists Incorporated (PAE) said. She was 96.

The PAE on Sunday said Baltazar’s work has benefitted the public’s understanding of science.

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“Her pioneering work and dedication to the field have profoundly shaped our understanding of the science impacting our world,” it added.

Baltazar enrolled at the University of the Philippines in 1943 and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree, summa cum laude. She took further studies in entomology at the University of Wisconsin.

She also had numerous publications on Philippine entomology, including “Philippine Insects: An Introduction,” described by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as the “first authoritative text” on the subject.

“Her numerous publications on Philippine insects, especially on Philippine Hymenoptera, were very significant to science as they laid the groundwork for future biological control in the Philippines,” the DOST said.

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In 1980, Baltazar received the Jose Rizal Pro Patria award and was subsequently named a national scientist in 2001.

The DOST said it will organize a state necrological service for Baltazar on July 18 at the DOST Compound in Taguig which will be followed by a state funeral at the Manila Memorial Park.