Gab Ibis

From his humble roots as a working student at the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, to being a pioneer in agricultural science and plant nematology, Romulo Davide is a worthy addition to the Philippines’ set of national scientists.

Photo Courtesy of  The Philippine STAR.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr issued Proclamation 643 last August 2, bestowing Davide the rank and order of the national scientist–the highest honor conferred by the country to scientists and researchers. 

Davide, aged 90, is the 44th awardee of the Order of the National Scientists.

His seminal work on nematology, or the study of roundworms, allowed for the development of a safer alternative to chemical nematicides in the pest control of roundworms.

Dubbed Bioact, his discovery was the first Filipino-invented pest control product that can be used on banana, potato, citrus, pineapple, rice, and other crops, which he developed from a nematode-trapping fungus.

Davide had also been a recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012, for his work in agricultural science.

A founding member of the UP Phytopathological Society (UPPS), Davide continued his work and education overseas, finishing a doctorate in nematology and plant pathology from the North Carolina State University in 1965.

“His pioneering work in plant nematology, including the discovery of the first biocontrol agent against plant nematodes, has provided innovative solutions for farmers, improved crop yields, and increased farmers' income,” the UPPS said in a Facebook post. 

Since then, Davide has immersed in research extension around the country.

Among his programs is the Farmer-Scientists Training Program, which is implemented in over 40 provinces nationwide. It aims to create partnerships for sustainable agricultural development, while also training farmers in agricultural technology.

Through the presidential issuance, Davide will also receive privileges and a financial gratuity to be determined by the National Academy of Science and Technology.

Along with former UP Manila chancellor Carmencita Padilla, Davide is one of the 11 living National Scientists.

The rank and order of national scientist was created under former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s Presidential Decree No. 1003-A in 1976.