Embedded Files
SCIENTIST AS ADVOCATES
SCIENTIST AS ADVOCATES
Scientists and technologists are essential in a developing world. They are one of the key players in a country's quest for industrialization. They are the lifeblood of research, innovation and have important roles in the industry and the manufacturing sector. Together with their roles in nation-building, scientists, too, have a responsibility to advocate for the betterment of S&T in their countries.
For the Philippines, in order to halt the vicious cycle of technological backwardness and poverty, it is important that scientists and technologists themselves be aware of the sad plight of S&T in the country and to advocate for its improvement.
1.) Julian Banzon
1.) Julian Banzon
(1908-1988): A Pionaeer in Renewable Energy
(1908-1988): A Pionaeer in Renewable Energy
A Filipino biochemist noted for his research on alternative fuels. He is also famous for extracting residual coconut oil from the fruit.
Banzon completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of the Philippines and went on to earn a Ph.D. at Iowa State University.
In 1988, Julian Banzon received the National Scientist Award for his groundbreaking research on ethyl esters as a renewable energy source. Made from resources like coconuts and sugarcane, these esters had a low carbon footprint and were easy to produce. His work laid the foundation for future developments in eco-friendly alternative fuels.
2.) Eduardo Quisumbing
2.) Eduardo Quisumbing
(1895-1986): An Expert in Philippines Medicinal Plants
Born in Laguna, Philippines, on November 24, 1895.
A Filipino biologist renowned for his research on Philippine medicinal plants. He published over 120 scientific papers and several books, helping launch the National Integrated Research Program.
A pioneer in plant taxonomy and ethnobotany, he made major contributions to tropical medicine. For his achievements, he received numerous honors, including the National Scientist Award in 1978.
3.) Francisco santos
3.) Francisco santos
(1892-1983): A Man Who Fought For a Healthy Nation
(1892-1983): A Man Who Fought For a Healthy Nation
A Filipino scientist known for his work in agricultural chemistry and human nutrition. He studied Filipino eating habits and traveled nationwide to understand local food practices.
Using this data, he created programs to improve diets and promote nutrition education. His work played a key role in addressing nutrition-related disorders and advancing food security in the Philippines. He made comprehensive investigations on the nutritive values and chemical composition of Filipino foods the amount of nutrients and vitamin contents of traditional Philippine nutrition problems, nutrition plan of families of various laborer communities and probable effects of a one-sided diet. He established the anti beri-beri content of sweet potato and demostrated the food value of this crop.
4.) Luz Oliveros-Belardo
4.) Luz Oliveros-Belardo
(1906-1999): A Natural Products Researcher Who Extracted Essential Oils From the Philippines Plants
(1906-1999): A Natural Products Researcher Who Extracted Essential Oils From the Philippines Plants
She was born on November 3, 1906, in Navotas, Rizal, to Aurelio Oliveros and Elisa Belarmino. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of the Philippines, and later a PhD in Pharmacy from the University of Connecticut in 1957.
Oliveros-Belardo's work on the anti-cancer properties of compounds from the periwinkle plant (Vinca rosea) and the potential of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) for treating high blood pressure was particularly significant. She also explored the use of Apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus) oleoresin in motor fuel.
A pharmaceutical chemist who specialized in natural product chemistry. She extracted over 30 essential oils from Philippine plants and documented their uses, filling a major gap in scientific knowledge at the time.
Her work laid the foundation for future research on the medicinal benefits of natural oils.
5.) Benito Vergara
5.) Benito Vergara
(1934-2015): A Pioneer in Rice Farming
(1934-2015): A Pioneer in Rice Farming
A plant scientist and rice farmer, grew up in the Philippines. He is notable for his work on the Farmer’s Primer on Growing Rice. This book helped revolutionize rice farming in the Philippines.
Benito Vergara wrote a guide to help farmers learn better ways to grow rice, teaching them new techniques to improve their harvest. He also documented various rice varieties and explained how to cultivate them. For his valuable work in agriculture and plant science, he was honored as a National Scientist, the highest scientific award in the Philippines.
6.) Clare R. Baltazar
6.) Clare R. Baltazar
(1927-Present): A Foremost Filipino Entomologist
(1927-Present): A Foremost Filipino Entomologist
Clare R. Baltazar is a Filipino entomologist notable for discovering the Hymenoptera insect species in the Philippines. Chalybion clarebaltazarae: A new species of sphecid wasp named after her, contributing to the understanding of Philippine Hymenoptera.
She also published one of the Philippines’ most reliable books on insects. Entomologists still use this text as reference material in the field of biology.
Her work laid the groundwork for the development of biological insect control systems, which we now see in use on farms around the globe.
7.) Clara Lim-Sylianco
7.) Clara Lim-Sylianco
(1925-2013): An Award-Winning Scientist & a Prolific Researcher
(1925-2013): An Award-Winning Scientist & a Prolific Researcher
Clara Lim-Sylianco was a Filipino chemist who made important contributions in biochemistry, organic chemistry, molecular nutrition, and genetic toxicology. Her research focused on mutagens, substances that cause changes in DNA and antimutagens, which help prevent or reverse these changes.
From 1970 to 1973, she worked at the National Institute of Science and Technology, where she studied how certain chemicals affect cells. For her valuable contributions to science, she was awarded the title of National Scientist, one of the highest honors in the Philippines.
8.) Dioscoro L. Umali
8.) Dioscoro L. Umali
(1917-1992): Father of Philippines Plant Breeding
(1917-1992): Father of Philippines Plant Breeding
Dioscoro L. Umali was a Filipino agricultural scientist born in Laguna, Philippines.
He was one of the people to receive the National Scientist title. This was a distinction held only by the top scientists.
Umali’s work focused on how plants grow and adapt to environmental changes. He also studied how economic plants can be grown more effectively.
Dioscoro L. Umali was particularly interested in corn and rice. These were two staples of Filipino cuisine. The plants are heavily dependent on irrigation for successful cultivation.
9.) Gregorio T. Velasquez
9.) Gregorio T. Velasquez
(1901-1989): Father of Phycology in Philippines
(1901-1989): Father of Phycology in Philippines
Gregory T. Velasquez was a Filipino botanist who pioneered phycology, the study of algae, and was honored with the title of National Scientist for his significant scientific contributions.
His research focused on marine algae, plants that live in water and their chemical makeup and oxygen-producing abilities. He also studied diatoms and developed methods to identify different types of algae based on their unique features.
10.) Geminiano de Ocampo
10.) Geminiano de Ocampo
(1907-1987): Father of Eye Care in the Philippines
(1907-1987): Father of Eye Care in the Philippines
Geminiano de Ocampo was a Filipino medical scientist known as the first in the country to diagnose and treat eye problems. In 1952, he founded the De Ocampo Eye Hospital the first eye hospital in the Philippines, to provide eye care, especially for poor Filipinos. It continues to serve as a vital part of the nation’s healthcare system.
He also invented a corneal dissector that improved corneal transplant surgery, an innovation that remains influential today. His tool helped revolutionize how eye surgeons perform transplants, making the procedure more effective and precise.
11.) Alfredo Lagmay
11.) Alfredo Lagmay
(1919-2005): Father of Psychology in the Philippines
(1919-2005): Father of Psychology in the Philippines
Alfredo Lagmay was a Filipino psychologist known for introducing behavioral studies to psychology and for his work on hypnosis and relaxation techniques. His most significant contribution was his research on behavior change as a way to treat mental illnesses, which helped establish behavior therapy as a valid and effective treatment.
At a time when mental health was often misunderstood and stigmatized, Lagmay’s work offered a more humane alternative to hospitalization and electroshock therapy. In recognition of his contributions, he was named a National Scientist in 1988, the highest honor for Filipino scientists.
12.) Gavino Trono
12.) Gavino Trono
(1931-Present): Mother of Seaweed Diversity
(1931-Present): Mother of Seaweed Diversity
The Philippines is home to many famous scientists, and one of the most famous is Gavino Trono. Trono was a marine biologist who contributed to tropical marine phycology research.
He is a very well-known scientist, and her work has also earned her the National Scientist Award. This is the highest honor for Filipino scientists. It recognizes their contributions to Filipino society.
He's study centered on seaweed biodiversity. This research increased our understanding of the diversity of this plant group in Asia and its role in marine ecosystems.
13.) Edgardo Dizon Gomez
13.) Edgardo Dizon Gomez
(1938-2019): An Expert in Conservation Biology
(1938-2019): An Expert in Conservation Biology
Edgardo Gomez was born in the Philippines in 1938. He studied biology at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Ph.D. in marine biology.
Gomez spent his whole life protecting the coral reefs and other marine resources in the Philippines. He led the initiative of c.
Only 30 scientists have ever won the National Scientist of the Philippines award. Edgardo Gomez was one of them. This rank comes with an amazing package, including a lifetime pension.
14.) Gregorio Y. Zara
14.) Gregorio Y. Zara
(1902-1978): Videophone Inventor
(1902-1978): Videophone Inventor
Gregorio Zara was a Filipino scientist and engineer best known for inventing the videophone, which he patented in 1955. Born in Batangas, he had a strong interest in science and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from MIT in 1926, followed by advanced studies in aeronautics and physics, eventually earning a Ph.D. from the University of Paris in 1930.
Zara became one of the most recognized Filipino inventors, holding 30 patents. He also created an airplane engine that ran on alcohol, gaining international attention. For his many contributions to technology and communication, he was honored with the title of National Scientist.
15.) Fe del Mundo
15.) Fe del Mundo
(1911-2011): A Pioneer in Child Healthcare System & Filipino Medical Doctor
(1911-2011): A Pioneer in Child Healthcare System & Filipino Medical Doctor
Fe del Mundo was a pioneering pediatrician known for her deep commitment to children’s health. Born in Manila, she became the first Filipino woman named a National Scientist and dedicated eight decades to improving healthcare in the Philippines. She founded the country’s first pediatric hospital, the Children’s Medical Center. She even invented an incubator made from indigenous and cheap materials that does not need electricity, other works by her are immunization and treatment of jaundice and BRAT diet for curing diarrhea.
Del Mundo also led various medical organizations both locally and internationally, leaving a lasting impact on medicine. Her work continues to benefit lives today, showing how one person’s dedication can create lasting change. One of her most inspiring quotes is, “I feel that if you give the world the best that you can, the best will come back to you.”
Referneces:
National scientist. (n.d.). https://members.nast.ph/index.php/list-of-national-scientist/details/3/29
National scientist. (n.d.-b). https://members.nast.ph/index.php/list-of-national-scientist/details/3/34
Tsai, S. (2023, April 30). Top 15 famous Filipino scientists that you should know 2025. SCI Journal. https://www.scijournal.org/articles/famous-filipino-scientists#9_Clara_Lim-Sylianco_1925-2013_An_Award-Winning_Scientist_a_Prolific_Researcher
Page updated
Report abuse