DA-PhilRice now has seven scientist rank holders after engineers Ricardo Orge and Dr. Manuel Jose Regalado took oath as Scientist I during the Fourth Scientific Symposium of the Philippine Association of Career Scientists at Richmonde Hotel in Pasig City, Dec. 1.

Orge and Regalado were conferred Scientist I last July by the Philippine Scientific Career Council (PSCC), an evaluating body established by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Science and Technology.

Papers published in Information for Scientific Information (ISI)-listed journals, such as the Philippine Agricultural Scientist helped Orge and Regalado get the distinction. In addition, they also patented the rice flour mill. Moreover, Regalado commercialized the rotary reaper and the laboy tiller.

Regalado said the title has encouraged him to achieve more. He is pleased that his efforts on rice research were recognized.

Meanwhile, Orge said, “Pursuit of knowledge does not end here. There are more responsibilities to come and goals to pursue.”  

During the same occasion, PhilRice received a plaque of appreciation for its “outstanding leadership in producing a significant number of career scientists under the 2006 Merit System for the Scientific Career System.” 

Seven PhilRice staff members currently hold a scientist rank. Dr.  Constancio A. Asis Jr., Dr. Rolando T. Cruz, Gabriel O. Romero, Dr. Manuel Jose C. Regalado, Engr. Ricardo F. Orge, and Dr. Evelyn B. Gergon are Scientist I rank holders. Meanwhile, Dr. Eulito Bautista, PhilRice deputy executive director for research, is Scientist III. 

Some of the requirements for the scientist rank include scientific discoveries and inventions, patent of a technology, a machine, or utility model, comprehensive documentation of research accomplishments for the last 10 years, and published research papers in an ISI-listed journal.

The 2006 Merit System for the Scientific Career System is a provision that gives credit to researchers who are dedicated to research and development, invention and innovation, science and technology education, training, and services.

For more information on the Merit System for the Scientific Career System CY 2006, visit http://scs.dost.gov.ph.