Nine Filipino scientists were recognized by the Senate on May 22 for their achievements in their chosen fields through the two resolutions introduced last year by Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee for Science and Technology.
Senate Resolution 882 commended Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, Jeffrey S. Perez, Dr. Mario Antonio L. Jiz II, Dr. Philip A. Alviola, Dr. Nathaniel P. Hermosa II, Dr. Lanndon A. Ocampo, Dr. Lucille V. Abad and Dr. Aletta Conception T. Yñiguez, who were included in the Asian Scientist 100 list 2018 Edition released by the Asian Scientist Magazine.
On the other hand, Senate Resolution 923 recognized and congratulated Dr. Gay Jane Perez for being awarded first place at the 2018 Asean-US Science Prize for Women.
Alviola, who was present at the Senate together with his wife, told the BusinessMirror that the recognition given by the Senate is an instrument to promote their scientific research and applications to the Filipinos.
“In more ways than one, the Philippine government, especially the legislators have put science at the forefront, and in my case, in nature conservation, because of this award,” Alviola said.
“This particular award does not just recognize me but recognizes the need to do conservation and push for legislation for the protection of our dwindling biodiversity here in the Philippines,” he added.
Sese, one of those pushing for the approval of the space bills in Congress that will create the the Philippine Space Agency, echoed the same statement.
He said, “I believe that if we continue to recognize scientists in this country through different organizations, institutions or government bodies, such as the Senate, our research and field of expertise will be given a proper boost and be known to Filipinos especially the youth.”
In previous years, Sese has been promoting astronomy and space science all over the country and has worked hand in hand with the Department of Science and Technology.
Hermosa, a physicist who focused his research on light and light-matter interactions, shared his happiness on the recognition given by the Senate.
“The external support by the government only shows that it is now promoting science. Hopefully it will encourage more students to take science-related courses in the coming years and help grow the number of Filipino scientists in the country,” he said.
Hermosa also added that he fully knew the government has continuously supported scientists but more internally through funding for research “but that is not visible to the public.”
Perez saw the recognition as both an opportunity and a challenge. She told the BusinessMirror that expectations will be heightened now that they are recognized.
“People are now looking up to us and personally, I become more conscious to be a good role model. This is also a perfect time to work harder and continue to do our job better.”
Perez also added that the recognition is a good initiative of the government. She said that most of the time, athletes and beauty queens were the ones recognized. This was the first time a group of scientists were recognized by the Senate.
“This is a good example that this profession [scientist] is recognized and can give honor to the country,” Perez said.
Image credits: Roy Domingo
1 comment
Kudos to Filipino savants esp. those who stayed in the country despite and made do with 3rd world science. Long live and may your tribe increase by leaps and bounds to better the economic development of the country and our peoples 🙂