Three scientists from UPLB were recognized at the 2024 Oath Taking of Newly Conferred and Upgraded Career Scientists, held this September 4, 2024 at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City.
Dr. Edwin P. Alcantara of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) was upgraded to Career Scientist II. An expert in insect resistance risk assessment and management, he is currently a project leader for the Biotechnology for Natural Products Program.
Additionally, Dr. Marita S. Pinili and Ms. Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo were conferred the title of Career Scientist I. Dr. Pinili, from the National Crop Protection Center at the College of Agriculture and Food Science, is an internationally renowned expert in plant pathology, with a focus on phytonematology and plant virology. Ms. Tambalo, Director of BIOTECH-UPLB, is a prominent microbiologist known for her significant contributions to molecular biology, biotechnology, and the promotion of technology transfer, commercialization, and science education in the Philippines.
Civil Service Commission Chairperson and Scientific Career Council Chairman Atty. Karlo A. B. Nograles conducted the Awarding of Scientist Medals and administered the oathtaking. Also present for the awarding was UPLB Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Dr. Marian P. De Leon.
“In these times of uncertainty, the expertise of our scientists is indispensable, vital, in fact, in guiding policymakers and the public through complex issues surrounding us,” said Atty. Nograles in his inspirational message. “…Your work is crucial in driving progress and solving the complex demands and threats faced by our nation.”
Following the awarding, Ms. Tambalo delivered a response as a newly conferred Career Scientist, emphasizing the role of career scientists as leaders in their respective fields.
“We need to go beyond the laboratory and research and focus on leadership, particularly on being transformational leaders in our specializations and communities of and outside our practice,”
She stressed that transformational scientist leaders could be catalysts of progress and innovation by understanding their juniors, students, or stakeholders, helping them think out-of-the-box in problematizing societal concerns, and encouraging them to be critical of their present circumstances with the integrity and excellence of their scientific pursuits.
After the program, the Career Scientists also participated in a press conference, answering questions from the audience.
The Scientific Career System, established by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Science and Technology, recognizes and rewards highly productive full-time government researchers with scientist ranks to attract and retain talent in government research and development. To date, UPLB has produced a total of 30 DOST Career Scientists, with 2 being conferred in 2023 and 6 in 2022. (Jill Parreño)