Filipino Heroes in Science
Lourdes C. Cruz (Biochemist)
In 2007, Dr. Cruz was
conferred the rank and title of National Scientist, the highest honor given to
a man or woman of science in the Philippines, at the age of 64. She finished BS
Chemistry at the University of the Philippines in Diliman in 1962 and her MS
and PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Iowa, United States in 1966 and
1968, respectively.
Dr. Cruz was recognized
by the 12th L’Oreal-UNESCO with a prestigious award “For Women in
Science Program” in March 2010. She also established the Rural Livelihood
Incubator in 2001 with the help of volunteers and private donors. This aimed to
generate employment opportunities and establish a sustainable means of
livelihood to counter poverty and sociopolitical instability in rural areas
particularly in research site in Bataan.
Fabian M. Dayrit (Chemist)
Dr. Fabian “Toby” Dayrit
is the son of Conrado Dayrit, a physician and pharmacologist, and Milagros
Millar. He took Chemistry at the Ateneo de Manila University. After graduation
in 1975, he immediately took his licensure examination where he placed in in
the top ten. He obtained his master’s and doctoral degrees from Princeton
University in the US through a scholarship grant. His specialization was in organometallic
chemistry.
Through the years, Dr.
Dayrit has worked on Vitex negundo
(lagundi0, Momordica charantia (ampalaya), Moringa oleifera (malunggay), Bixa
orellana (achuete), and others with the support of the group he joined in
and belonged to – National Integrated Research Program for Medicinal Plants
(NIMPROMP). The goal of the group is to systematize indigenous research by
identifying and analyzing active compounds in medicinal plants in the hope
boost local medicinal expertise in the process. He attempts to prevent diseases
by working in the field of environmental science.
Maria Corazon A. de Ungria
(Forensic Scientist)
Maria Corazon A. de
Ungaria is currently the head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the Natural Sciences
Research Institute of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon
City. The laboratory helps law enforcement groups solve different kinds of
crimes.
She finished her
Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with honors at Macquarie University and
her Doctor of Philosophy degree in microbiology at the University of New South
Wales, both in Sydney, Australia.
Dr. de Ungria returned
to the Philippines after graduating and worked at the DNA Analysis Laboratory
in 1999. As the head of the laboratory, she was entrusted to lead a team of
young researchers in developing forensic DNA technology in the Philippines at
the time that the technology was fairly new. She had been acknowledged several prestigious
awards such as the Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of
Science and Technology in 2003, the UP Gawad Hall of Fame for best REPS in
Research in 2005, the Outstanding Young Scientist award by the Third World
Academy of Science in 2006, as well as being named as one of the regional fellow
affiliates of the Academy of Science in the developing World from 2007-2012.
Clara Y. Lim-Sylianco, Ph.D.
She popularized the use of
virgin coconut oil which is helpful in preventing cancers and a good detoxifying
agent.
Julian A. Banzon, Ph.D.
He did research on sugar cane and
coconut as possible sources of renewable chemicals and fuels. He devised a
unique method of extracting coconut oil through chemical processes.
Bienvenido O. Juliano, Ph.D.
He studied the
properties of starch and protein and other grain constituents in relation to
rice grain quality. He discovered that the amylase content of starch determines
to a great extent, the quality of milled rice in Asia.
Solita F. Camara-Besa, M.D.
She did research on the
sodium and potassium content of Philippine foods to set standards in the
preparation of the Filipino diet. Her research on cholesterol levels in local
diets lead to the understanding on the effects of fats and cholesterol in the
epidemiology of atherosclerosis among Filipinos.
Paulo C. Campos, M.D.
He established the first and best
known Radioisotope laboratory in the country and the thyroid clinic of the
UP-PGH Medical Center.
Melecio S. Magno, Ph.D.
He did research on the absorption
and fluorescence spectroscopy of rare-earth crystals; the effects of typhoons
on the distribution of ozone;atmospheric radiation;gravitation and sky
luminousity.
Dr. Gregorio Zara
He innovated the TV-telephone
system, the airplane powered by alcohol, the solar panel as energy absorber, an
aircraft propeller entirely made of wood, wooden microscope and others.
Dr. Angel Alcala
He invented the artificial coral
reefs to sustain the production of fish which is a staple food of people in
Southeast Asia.
Dr. Jose Velasco
He pioneered the study of plant
physiology: mineral nutrition, photoperiodism, chemical weed control and plant
growth. His work has become the basis for some crop production management
practices.
Dr. Baldomero Olivera
He contributed on the Philippine
study of molecular biology and biotechnology with his isolation and
characterization of the key enzymes such as the DNA ligase and the DNA
polymerase.
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