The National Scientists

National Scientists
(1978-1989)

Year Recipient Specialty Remarks

1978 Juan S. Salcedo, Jr., M.D. Nutrition and Public died October 25, 1988
Health
1978 Alfredo C. Santos, Dr. phil. Physical Chemistry
1978 Gregorio Y. Zara, D.Sc., Engineering and Inventions died October 15, 1978
1980 Fe del Mundo Pediatrics
1980 Eduardo A. Quisumbing. Ph.D. Plant Taxonomy, died August 23, 1986
Systematics and
Morphology

1982 Geminiano T. de Ocampo, M.D. Ophthalmology died September 2, 1987

1982 Casimiro del Rosario, Ph.D. Ph ysics, Astronomy and died September 15, 1982
Meteorology
1982 Gregorio T. Velasquez, Ph.D. Phycology died July 29 , 1989

1983 Francisco M. Fronda, Ph. D. Animal Husbandry died February 17, 1986
1983 Francisco O. Santos, Ph. D. Human Nutrition and posthumous
Agricultural Chemistry died February 19,1983
1983 Carmen C. Velasquez, Ph.D. Parasitology

1985 Teodoro A. Agoncillo, Litt. D. (h. c. ) Philippine History posthumous

died January 14, 1985
1985 Encarnacion A. Alzona, Ph. D. Philippine History
1985 Hilario D.G. Lara, M.D., Dr. P.lL Public Health died December 18, 1987
1986 Julian A. Banzon, Ph.D. Chemistry died September 14,1988
1986 Dioscoro L. Umal~ Ph.D. Agriculture and Rural
Development

1987 Luz Olivero.. Belardo, Ph.D. Phytochemistry

1987 Jose Encarnacion, Jr., Ph.D, Economics
1988 Alfredo V. Lagm,y, Ph . D. Experimental Psychology
1989 Paulo C. Capros. M.D . Nuclear Medicine

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Rank and Title of National Scientist

Conferment of the rank and title of National Scientist by the President of the Re-
public is the highest honor given to a man of science in the Philippines.
Each year, the Academy may recommend not more than ten (10) scientists for dis-
tinguished individual or collaborative achievement in science and/or technology who shall
be accorded National Scientist. Selection of recommendees for the National Scientist re-
quires 60% vote of the full membership of the Academy.
A National Scientist has the following benefits and privileges which are implemented
under the auspices of the Academy :
o A cash award of 1"10,000 upon conferment and decoration of
National Scientist;
o A life pension which is payable monthly;
o Medical and hospitalization benefits;
o A place of honor in state functions, national commemoration cere-
monies and all scientific gatherings; and
o A state funeral, the arrangements for and the expenses of which
shall be borne by the government upon the death of the National
Scientist.
Since 1978, 19 scientists have been accorded the rank and title of National Scientist.
Eleven of these are living and except for one, the deceased ones were interred at the
Libingan ng mga Bayani, after a state funeral arranged by the Academy.
The National Scientists from 1978-1987 and their citations are as follows:
~oro A. Agoncillo, Litt. D. (honoris causa) (posthumous) - Philippine History
Professor Teodoro A. Agoncillo, eminent historian. For distinguished achievement in
the social sciences and in the humanities by which the University of the Philippines has
given him the title University Professor, the highest academic appointment in any univer-
sity. Professor Agoncillo has been major influence in Philippine Historiography, which
reflects the Filipino point of view, from its beginnings, when it was largely unpopular,
to the present when it is now integral with Filipino writing of history. The community
of scholars, as well as private and public institutions, have already given him numerous
awards and prizes for his contribution to literature and Philippine historical writing.

Encarnacion Alzona, Ph.D. - Philippine History

Eminent historian and mentor to a generation of other eminent historians in the
period of transition after the Philippine Revolution and the war against the United
States to the present time. Some of her works have already become classics, particularly
her "A History of Education in the Philippines." While her other writings on notables
of the Post-Revolutionary era have made available to our people a legacy of the past which
has been illuminated for us in a unique way because of her proximity in time to those
parts of history and its participants. A much honored preceptor in the tradition of the
Academic Guild, Dr. Alzona has received practically every distinguished award the coun-
try can bestow upon her.

Julian A. Banzon, Ph.D. - Chemistry

Academician, distinguished scholar, scientist, professor, and biophysical chemist.
Dr. Banzon has dedicated a good portion of his life to scientific endeavors, concen

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trating his attention to that unique Philippine palm , the coconut. His studies have
shown that this palm very well be the renewable source of chemicals and fuels. The pro-
duction of ethyl esters, coming from two Philippine indigenous crops, sugar cane and
coconut, is one of the first study on fuels . Dr. Banzon has devised some novel processes,
noteworthy among these is the extraction of residual coconut oil by the chemical, rather
than by a physical process.
For these and many more significant scientific works, Dr. Banzon has been accorded
honors and citations notably : Distinguished Alumnus award, University of the Philip-
pines, 1986; Distinguished Service award, Integrated Chemist of the Philippines, Inc.,
1980; Chemist of the Year award, Professional Regulation Commission, 1978; PHILS UG IN
Award for Research , Crop Science Society of the Philippines, 1976 ; and Outstanding
Chemistry Graduate, U.P. Chemical Society, 1970.

Luz Oliveros-Belardo, Ph.D. - Phytochemistry

Distinguished scholar, chemist and researcher. She spent 5 decades of her life work-
ing on the chemistry of natural products specifically on Philippine medicinal plants.
Dr. Belardo's significant contribution to science is her work on essential oils from
Philippine plants. Essential oils which have many uses as sources of flavors and fragrance
materials; medicinals; new and rare organic compounds and energy, fascinated her so
much that she spent the greater part of her research activity unravelling their nature. She
has extracted 33 new Philippine essential oils and studied the chemical and physical pro-
perties.
In her twilight years, Dr. Belardo is still actively engaged in phytochemical research .
Her accomplishments in science, however modestly they have been, contributed to the
advancement of scientific knowledge and to nationai development. Flavors from her
new essential oils are now being tried in the creation of appetite enhancers and tested as
possible medicinals. Results of her phytochemical analysis offered some answers to the
search for scientific basis in herbal medication.

Jose Encarnacion, Jr., Ph.D. - Economics

Economist, past president of the Philippine Economic Society, recipient of a Dis-
tinguished Scholar award from the University of the Philippines, Academician, is a
theorist with interests also in the policy area. The first Filipino to publish in an economics
journal of international standing, his contributions to economic theory have appeared
in major journals in England and the United States. He served on the United Nations
Committee for Development Planning and, as chairman on the Council for Asian Man-
power Studies, which have strong policy orientations. While on leave from the University
of the Philippines he taught at Princeton, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Gadja
Mada in Indonesia. His work as a professor and as dean of the U.P. School of Economics
has been significant in making this institution a regional as well as a national resource,
bringing recognition from abroad as shown by biographical listings in "Men of Achieve-
ment" (12th ed.), "Who's Who in the World" (8th ed.), and "International Director of
Distinguished Leadership" (Ist ed.).

Francisco M. Fronda, Ph.D. - Animal Husbandry

A distinguished educator, eminent scientist, researcher and prolific writer in agricul-
tural science.
Having devoted over six decades of his life to teaching, research and extension activi-

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ties, Dr. Fronda contributed immensely to what is today the country'~ multimillion peso
poultry industry. Over all these years, he has published here and abroad no less than 500
scientific articles of great value in the development of poultry and livestock industry,
authored a textbook in Poultry Science Production now in its third edition for students
in agriculture and co-authored a series of book entitled "Let Us Raise Series" for second-
ary and elementary pupils.
For all these, Dr. Fronda is virtually synonymous to Poultry Science in the Philip-
pines and elsewhere in the Asian Region. This earned for him and his country lasting
honor and distinction foremost of which are: "The Distinguished Service Medal and
Diploma of Honor" from the President of the Republic of the Philippines, in recognition
of his valuable services to science and people, 1955; "The Father of Poultry Industry
in the Philippines" citation made by the Philippine Association of Animal Science, 1980;
degree of "Doctor of Science," honoris causa and the "Father of Thai Poultry Industry"
honor conferred by the Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand which were presented
by Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess of Thailand, 1982.

Hilario D.G. Lara, M.D. - Public Health

Recognized for his pioneering and significant contributions to public health and
public health education in the Philippines. Eminent scientist and researcher, he devoted
over five decades of his life to the pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge
pertaining to the epidemiology and prevention as well as control of disease, promotion
and conservation of health and sanitation of environment which led to the control of
cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, measles and diphtheria in the country. For these works
he has attained international recognition with the inclusion of his name in the "Book
of World Biography" and the "Book of the American Men of Science."
Distinguished medical man and public servant, recognized for organizing and devel-
oping the Institute of Public Health, University of the Philippines, for establishing the
first medical library in the country and for his pioneering work on the establishments of
community Health Demonstration Centers.

Fe del Mundo, M. D. - Pediatrics

A leading pediatrician and distinguished scholar, humanitarian and exemplary citi-
zen has been the moving spirit behind the establishment of various pediatric institutions
in the Philippines.
A medical researcher and writer, Dr. del Mundo has produced numerous articles
and treatises on various scientific subjects, especially on pediatrics. These works have
either been published or read before many scientific fora here and abroad.
Her achievements in the fields of pediatrics, public service and other community en-
deavors have earned for her well-deserved awards, honors and decorations affirming her
qualities and accomplishments. Among the awards and distinctions she has received are:
the Ramon Magsaysay award for Public Service by a Private Citizen, 1977; XV Interna-
tional Congress of Pediatrics award for Outstanding Pediatrician and Humanitarian, 1977;
award as Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, 1967; and the Elizabeth
Blackwell award for Outstanding Service to Mankind, 1966.

Geminiano T. de Ocampo, M.D. - Ophthalmology

An outstanding ophthalmologist and a scholar of international renown.
Dr. de Ocampo set up the first eye hospital in the Philippines and helped established

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the Philippine Eye Research Institute and the Philippine Ophthalmological Society.
He was the first Filipino to design in 1956 an ophthalmological instrument known as
the de Ocampo corneal dissector, manufactured later by a U.S. firm. As a surgeon, he
introduced corneal transplantation in the Philippines.
F or these and many more significant scientific works, he received various honors
and citations notably : the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Jose Rizal Award
for Excellence in Ophthalmology, 1968, the President Award for Filipino Life Sci-
entist, 1965 ; the Republic Heritage and Cultural Award for Science, 1961; and a certifi-
cate of distinction for exemplary leadership on ophthalmological research and surgery.
As a civic leader, he worked for the passage and amendment of Republic Act. No.
343 concerning donation of eyeballs for corneal trans planation.

Eduardo A. Quisumbing, Ph.D. - Plant Taxonomy, Systematics, and Morphology

An outstanding scientist, scholar, educator and writer, a distinguished botanist and
authority on plant taxonomy, systematics and morphology.
Dr. Quisumbing is widely recognized for his pioneering work on Philippine medicinal
plants and orchids.
He has written 129 scientific articles. The book "Medicinal Plants of the Philippines"
is considered the forerunner of researches and publications on medicinal plants in the
country today.
He has served the Philippine Government in various capacities. As Director of the Na-
tional Museum, he restored the National Herbarium, which was destroyed during the war.
For his lifelong and dedicated career in Botany, Dr. Quisumbing received many
awards and distinctions, which he richly deserves.

Casimiro del Rosario, Ph.D. - Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology

Foremost Filipino physicist whose researches on ultraviolet light of different wave-
lengths, on the effect of radioactive radiations on euglena, on the high voltage electrical
discharges in high vacuum, and many others, which were all published in reputable inter-
national scientific journals earned for himself and his country lasting honor and distinc-
tion.
For his distinguished achievements, Dr. del Rosario was accorded the Presidential
Award in 1965. He was cited for his important researches and accomplishments in
physics, astronomy and meteorology.
A consistent scholar, he was recipient of the Junior Sterling Research and Bartol
Foundation Research Fellowships. He was a professor of physics at the University of the
Philippines, eventually becoming chairman of the U.P. Physics department. After serving
as Director of the Philippine Weather Bureau for 12 years, Dr. del Rosario was appointed
Vice-Chairman of the National Science Development Board.

Juan S. Salcedo, Jr., M.D. - Nutrition and Public Health

An authority in nutrition and public health and medical statesman, conducted medi-
cal research for the improvement of the health and nutrition of the people. He spent
much of his lifetime studying health factors, ranging from fatty acids to vitamins.
He has published more than 200 articles on medicine, science, and technology, all
of which stressed the need for proper utilization of science, hand in hand with technol-
ogy, in the process of shaping the nation not only from the economic plane but also from
a social perspective.

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His work is recognized by his contemporaries. Many organizations, public and pri-
vate, have showered him with signal honors.
At the twilight of his life, Dr. Salcedo continued to support national goals and objec-
tives through his programs for science promotion.

Alfredo C. Santos, Dr. phil. - Physical Chemistry

Dr. Alfredo C. Santos devoted his career in the study of chemistry of natural pro-
ducts, and the search for medicinal properties of local plant species.
A professor of industrial pharmacy by vocation, he conducted significant researches
on the isolation and structu~e elucidation of phaeanthine and phaeantharine which are
alkaloids from indigenous medicinal plants.
Dr. Alfredo C. Santos hoped to find ways to lower the high prices of drugs by re-
ducing the use of costly imported raw materials.
His empathy for the poor amongst us, especially the rural folks, who are unable to
procure medicines and the relief that medicines bring, spurred him to these studies.
Dr. Alfredo C. Santos is thus both a humanitarian and a scientist.

Francisco O. Santos, Ph.D. (Posthumous) - Human Nutrition and Agricultural Chemistry

Outstanding educator and eminent scientist in the fields of human nutrition and
agricultural chemistry is well remembered for his deep concern and interest in the im-
provement of nutrition of the Filipinos, especially the laboring and deprived class.
As a researcher he made comprehensive investigations and published notable arti-
cles here and abroad on nutritive values and chemical composition of Filipino foods,
amount of nutrient and vitamin contents of traditional Philippine food materials, Philip-
pine nutrition problems, studies on the nutrition plan of fam ilies of various laborer com-
munities in the country, and probable effects of a one-sided diet . He established the
anti beri-beri vitamin content of sweet potato and demonitrated the food value of this
crop. He was among the very first to advocate home gardening, its fruits and vegetables
as good source of supplementary vitamins.
For his valuable contribution to human nutrition and agricultural chemistry, he was
recipient of "Distinguished Service Medal" from the President of the Republic of the
Philippines for outstanding contributions in the field of nutrition among Filipinos, 1955;
" Col. Andres Soriano Award in Chemistry," 1956 ; elected member of the New York Aca-
demy of Sciences and Honorary Member, Sociedad Espanola de Bromatologia.
He initiated and led the organization which became the forerunner of the present
Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Dioscoro L. Umali, Ph.D. - Agriculture and Rural Development

Academician, scientist, educator, research organizer, development administrator and
science statesman.
As scientist, Dr. Umali is known for his plant breeding work that resulted in the
breeding of improved varieties of food grains, legumes, fruits and ornamental plants.
His research output and writings paved the way for launching programs of rainfed and
upland agriculture, social forestry , environmental conservation and rural poverty allevia-
tion .
Under his stewardship, the U.P. College of Agriculture became a premier institution
of higher learning in Asia. His awareness of the plight of the small farmer and fisherman

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(the base of the social pyramid) led him to restructur~ the research system of the College
and of other institution he headed to solve the pove.ty and unemployment. As FAO
Regional Director for Asia and Pacific, he influenced the orientation of agricultural re-
search and development policies of the Third World countries in Asia for this advan-
taged sector.
He is a strong advocate of people's participation in planning and decision making
and of the adoption of technology and development models consistent with a country's
geography, traditions and social history.
As science statesman and international civil servant, he played a catalytic role in pro-
viding deep insights and inspiring fellow scientists to set goals and share experiences about
the process of social changes and transformation in a society concerned with developing
the full potential of man.
His contributions to the scientific world and to agriculture and rural development
have given due recognition. He is the recipient of four honoris causa doctor' s degrees
and numerous other honors and a wards from here and abroad.

Carmen C. Velasquez, Ph.D. - Parasitology

Emeritus Professor of Zoology, University of the Philippines, scientist, educator,
scholar, holds the distinction of being the first Ph.D. (Parasitology), University of
the Philippines.
Her pioneering and untiring research efforts have resulted in the publications
of 47 basic and about 45 scientific papers of value particularly in public health and con-
servation. Considered new to science are 32 species and one genus of digenetic trematodes
in 13 families from Philippine food fishes, 2 from birds and 3 from mammals; 3 species
and a genus of Monogenea from marine fishes ; 8 life cycles of Digenea in 7 families and
3 of nematodes from freshwater and marine fishes . Capillaria phiJippinensis from the in-
testine of man in the Philippines was first to be reported in the world. Her book on
"Digenetic Trematodes of Philippine Fishes", the first in Southeast Asia provide a
regional reference to fish parasitology and aquaculture management.
Dr. Velasquez has been conferred national and international awards including: the
Distinguished Service Medal and Diploma of Honor, Republic of the Philippines (1965)"
in recognition of valuable service in science and people ;" the John Simon Guggenheim
Memorial Foundation Fellowship for "notable achievement in the field of specialization
1957-1958; 1963 ; U.P. Alumni Association Professi onal award , 1973; NSDB Outstanding
published works (1972-1973); Outstanding Women in Science in the Philippines, 9th
UNESCO Biennial Conference, Kababaihan ng Lahi (1975); Listed in American Men and
Women of Science; Biographee, the International Who's Who Intellectuals and Who's
Who of Women (1977), International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England.

Gregorio T. Velasquez, Ph.D. - PhycoJogy

Emeritus Professor of botany in the University of the Philippines, scientist, scholar,
educator, has taught and developed generations of Filipino biologists, some of whom be-
came members of the National Academy of Science and Technology.
Dr. Velasquez contributed immensely to the intensive study of algae, devoting
30 years of his life to it. He pioneered in Philippine Phycology and produced 47 basic
and 77 scientific papers of great value, particularly on Philippine Myxophyceae.
For his valuable works, Dr. Velasquez has be~n conferred many national and inter-
national awards, induding: the Distinguished Science Medal and Diploma of Honor

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from the Republic of the Philippines, 1956; the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Founda-
tion Fellowship for "notable achievement in his field of specialization, 1956-1957, the
Republic of the Philippines Cultural Heritage award, 1972; the citations by the Carnegie
Institute of Technology, U.S.A. and the Max Planck Institut of Zellbiologie in Germany;
and Emeritus Membership in the New York Academy of Sciences.
Despite his advanced age, Dr. Velasquez continued with his research activities with
unflagging enthusiasm, to the great benefit of our country and people.

Gregorio Y. Zara, D.Se. - Engineering and Inventions

In the minds of his peers, Dr. Zara made major contributions to the advancement
of engineering and inventions in the Philippines. His innovations in his field of specializa-
tion have contributed in popular understanding and utilization of science in the country.
As an administrator, mentor, inventor, and engineer, he has always set the pace.
Foremost among his contributions include the TV-telephone system, the wooden micro-
scope, the semi-automatic propeller-making machine, and an aircraft propeller that is
entirely made of wood. He designed the solarsorber and an airplane fueled by alcohol.
Dr. Zara has been ahead of his time. This quality was underscored by his pioneering
research on solar energy as alternate energy source at a time when there was no energy
crisis.

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