Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 781)
The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines provides that the State shall give priority to science and technology, as stated in Section 10, Article XIV, emphasizing their essential role for national development through research, invention, innovation, and utilization.
The rank and title of National Scientist was created under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, dated December 16, 1976.
Executive Order No. 236, series of 2003, amended Presidential Decree No. 1003-A regarding the rank and title of National Scientist.
The rank and title of National Scientist are conferred on Filipinos who have made pre-eminent achievements in science and technology that have significantly contributed to the progress of the country and humanity.
The President of the Philippines has the authority to confer the rank and title of National Scientist, based on recommendations from the Secretary of Science and Technology and the National Academy of Science and Technology.
The rank and title of National Scientist come with specific privileges and emoluments as provided by law, although the exact privileges are not detailed in the Proclamation itself.
The Secretary of Science and Technology and the National Academy of Science and Technology recommended Emil Q. Javier, Ph.D., for the rank and title of National Scientist.
Emil Q. Javier, Ph.D., was recognized for his outstanding contributions in Agriculture, particularly for leading the Institute of Plant Breeding, promoting high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties, advancing sound agricultural policies, and aiding Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
The proclamation cites the 1987 Constitution, Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, Executive Order No. 236 (s. 2003), and Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987) as legal bases for conferring the rank and title of National Scientist.
The purpose is to recognize and acknowledge the outstanding scientific and technological achievements of Filipinos that contribute to national development and improvement of the country and humanity, thus encouraging further research and innovation.