By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Scientific Career System (SCS) on Friday (Oct. 17) formally conferred and upgraded outstanding government career scientists during the 2025 Oath taking ceremony at the Luxent Hotel here.
The event was graced by leaders in the science and public service sectors namely Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson and Scientific Council (SCC) Chair Atty. Marilyn B. Yap, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary and SCC Co-Chair Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
Director Luningning E. Samaria-Domingo, of National Academy and Science Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) and Executive Secretary of the SCC, said that the SCS is chaired by the CSC and co-chaired by the DOST.
Domingo added that the SCS began in 1994 and since then, more than 200 Filipino scientists were conferred and upgraded as outstanding government career scientists.
DOST Sec. Solidum delivered inspirational messages to the honorees.
Solidum recognized the new batch of Career Scientists, who were drawn from across key fields of science and technology.
CSC Chairperson Yap congratulated the honorees.
The honorees are Dr. Eva A. Goyena, of DOST-FNRI, under the Health Sciences Division, presented by Academician Rody G. Sy.
Academician Fortunato T. Dela Pena conferred the honorees Dr. Jayson P. Rogelio, of DOST-MIRDC; Dr. Persia Ada N. De Yro, of DOST-ITDI; and Dr. Ronaldo P. Parreno, of DOST-ITDI, under the Engineering Sciences and Technology Division.
Dr. Hannah R. Bardolaza, of UPD-NIP; Dr. Joseph Q. Basconcillo, of DOST-PAGASA; Dr. Joel P. Rivadeneira, of UPLB-IFST; and Dr. Erlina R. Ronda, of UPD-NISMED, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Division, presented by Academician Fabian M. Dayrit.
Under the Agricultural Sciences Division are Dr. Emma L. Ballad, of DA-BFAR RO 2; Dr. Orlando A. Calcetas, of DA calabarzon, Engr. Edgar d. Flores, of DA-PHilMech; Roanne R. Gardoce, of UPLB-IPB; Dr. Mary-Ni M. Santos, of DA-NFRDI, and Dr. Lilian P. Villamor, of DA-PCC, presented by Academician Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr.
Recognized for their career advancement within the SCS were Dr. Roel R. Suralta, of DA-PhilRice; Dr. Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, of UPLB-IPB; Dr. Fe M. Dela Cueva, of UPLB-IPB; Marcela M. Navasero, of UPLB-CAFS NCPC; Dindo King M. Donayre, of DA-PhilRice; and Edwin C. Martin, of DA-PhilRice.
Also honored for dedicated service were former members of the SCC and Special Technical Committees (STCs) who played key roles in advancing the SCS.
Recognized were Dr. Aimee Lyn A. Barrion-Dupo, Academician Estrella F. Alabastro, Dr. Renato SA. Vega, Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, Dr. Carmencita D. Mateo, Dr. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, Dr. Edanjarlo J. Marquez, Dr. Erna C. Arollado, and Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay.
In a press conference, the newly upgraded career scientists noted the science-based adaptation for policy making.
They expressed their profound gratitude for the support extended to them by the institutions as well as their respective families.
They focused on addressing the food security and climate change mitigation.
Banana is consistently no. 1 export agricultural product of the country, but it is prone to diseases.
They are developing theoretical curriculum which should be research-based and science-based.
They have the three strategic pillars of DOST-PAGASA such as sustainability, human being, and protection.
One of the honorees, their family members are scholars and they have offers in Australia, but they are patriotic and opted to be full time scientist in the Philippines.
Dr. Dela Cueva started her researches in the 1980s and they are grateful for the support extended to them by the DOST.
“Scientific career is not a race. It is a journey,” according to one of the scientists.
“Science-based information is one of the most important information that you should have,” Sec. Solidum said.
Solidum added that discipline is needed so that you can get the right information and not fake news.
“We have many problems. But as scientists, if we can do it, let’s do it ourselves,” Solidum said.
First and foremost they are scientists, and they need the help of science communicators so that they can livestream so that everybody will understand.
“Being a career scientist is very rewarding and challenging. You can be a millionaire upon retirement because of the benefit of one rank higher upon retirement,” one of the retirees said.
“I really wanted to help our country. Hence, I promote the four pillars of DOST,” Solidum said .
Solidum added that he could have been a civil engineer that might have made him more popular.
Solidum had been in government service for almost 40 years and rose from the ranks. ###
