Romulo Davide an Agricultural scientist is 44th National Scientist
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Loading... - Touki Yuma
- 19 Aug 2024
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Romulo Gelbolingo Davide, an esteemed agricultural scientist, has been honored as the Philippines' 44th National Scientist. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation 643 on August 2, 2024, recognizing Davide for his significant contributions to plant pathology and nematology, particularly for developing a biological control agent against nematodes. This innovation provided Filipino farmers with a sustainable alternative to chemical nematicides.
Born on March 14, 1934, in Argao, Cebu, Davide pursued his undergraduate degree in Agriculture at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 1957. He furthered his education by earning a master's degree in Plant Pathology from Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in Nematology-Plant Pathology from North Carolina State University. Davide is celebrated as the "Father of Plant Nematology" for his pioneering research on nematode pests that have greatly impacted agriculture.
The rank and title of National Scientist, created under Presidential Decree 1003-A in 1976, is the highest recognition given to Filipino scientists. Awardees receive annual gratuity and various privileges as part of the honor.
Throughout his career, Davide has received numerous accolades, including being named Outstanding Agricultural Scientist by the Department of Agriculture in 1994. That same year, then-President Fidel V. Ramos awarded him the Jose Rizal Pro Patria Gold Medal Decoration with a Presidential Citation. In 2012, he was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often considered Asia's Nobel Prize.
Davide is a professor emeritus at UPLB and has been instrumental in leading the Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP). This initiative empowers farmers by teaching them scientific and sustainable farming practices, particularly in the production of crops like corn and rice. His work continues to leave a lasting impact on Philippine agriculture and the lives of countless farmers.
