He helped farmers save crops: Davide named national scientist

Romulo Davide is one of the country’s top scientists hailed as the “Father of Plant Nematology” for his many years of teaching and groundbreaking research on nematode pests that infest, debilitate, and destroy crops. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Romulo Davide, an agricultural scientist hailed as the “father of plant nematology” for his pioneering research on nematode pests or roundworms, has joined the ranks of the country’s national scientists.

In Proclamation No. 643 dated Aug. 2, President Marcos gave Davide the rank and title of national scientist, the highest honor conferred by the government on a Filipino in the profession. Davide became the 44th honoree to join the Order of National Scientists.

READ: Marcos names two new national scientists

The President also belatedly issued Proclamation No. 642, which conferred the same rank and title on Carmencita Padilla for her work in clinical genetics and newborn screening.

Padilla was inducted into the order during a ceremony at Malacañang in August 2023.

Magsaysay laureate

Davide, 90, was recognized for discovering nematode-trapping fungi and developing them as a biological control agent against nematode pests attacking bananas, potatoes, citrus, pineapple, rice and other crops.

“Preeminent achievements by Filipinos in science and technology that have contributed to the progress of the country and humanity deserve the recognition and acknowledgment of our government in pursuit of its policy of furthering national development through enhanced scientific and technological research and development,” the President said.

An alumnus and professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Los Baños, Davide received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012, considered Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize, for his many years of teaching and research on nematode pests in crops.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation recognized Davide for his “steadfast passion in placing the power and discipline of science in the hands of Filipino farmers, who have consequently multiplied their yields, created productive farming communities, and rediscovered the dignity of their labor.”

He was also feted as an “Outstanding Agricultural Scientist” by the Department of Agriculture in 1994.

Pension, other benefits

Davide is the older brother of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

As a national scientist, Davide will receive a medallion and citation, as well as a financial gratuity to be determined by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).

National scientists enjoy the same privileges as national artists, such as a monthly life pension, medical and hospitalization benefits, a place of honor at national state functions, and a state funeral at Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The NAST, along with the rank and title of national scientist, was created in December 1976 by Mr. Marcos’ father, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., through Presidential Decree No. 1003-A.Padilla, a former chancellor of UP Manila, was recognized for her contributions that led to the enactment of Republic Act No. 9288, or the 2004 Newborn Screening Act, Republic Act No. 10747, or the 2016 Rare Diseases Act, and the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center, which was at the forefront of the government’s COVID-19 response.

Davide and Padilla are among 11 national scientists who are still alive.

Asked why the proclamation declaring Padilla as a national scientist came a year late, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said it was initially assumed that last year’s conferment of the rank and title at the Palace event was enough.

“[But] after our request for a proclamation as a national scientist for Dr. Davide, it was deemed that a proclamation for national scientist Padilla was also needed. Malacañang has issued one dated Aug. 2,” he said in a message to reporters.