DA scientists honored for rice breeding innovations

Several researchers from the Department of Agriculture (DA) were officially conferred as Career Scientists during a joint ceremony organized by the Scientific Career System, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and the Civil Service Commission at the Admiral Hotel recently.

The national recognition honors government researchers who have demonstrated sustained excellence, professional competence, and significant contributions to agricultural productivity, food security and rural development.

Among the newly named Career Scientists from the agricultural sector were Imeldalyn G. Pacada of the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, who patented an artificial intelligence-based breeding tool to develop pest- and disease-resistant rice varieties, and Dr. Irene M. Adion of the DA Regional Field Office III, recognized for establishing incubation centers and tissue culture laboratories to improve sweet potato and mushroom propagation.

Dr. Mary-nia M. Santos of the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute was also conferred as a Career Scientist for her contributions to the agricultural and aquatic sciences.

In the livestock sector, Dr. Eric P. Palacpac was recognized for championing digital extension tools and technology adoption among livestock farmers, while Dr. Ester B. Flores of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center was promoted to Career Scientist II for introducing modern genomic breeding frameworks to improve the quality and genetic selection of dairy buffalo herds.

“Today, we celebrate the years of dedication, perseverance, curiosity, and hard work that brought our scientists to this important milestone,” said Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, executive secretary of the Scientific Career Council.

The conferment ceremony also recognized scientific experts from the DoST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the National Museum of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and the DoST-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

In his keynote address, DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. stressed that the ultimate measure of a scientist’s legacy lies in empowering others to build and achieve innovations that serve the public interest.