Dr. Mamaril (fourth from left)

In recognition to his outstanding contributions in agricultural science, Dr. Caezar P. Mamaril, PhilRice’s senior consultant, was conferred the 2009 Excellence Award, the highest honor given by the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations (PFPA).

Dr. Mamaril, a soil scientist, led the development and commercialization of the minus one element technique (MOET) kit offering a reliable, low-cost, and easy alternative technique for diagnosing soil nutrient status. MOET determines nutrient deficiency based on the actual performance of rice plants. This technique benefits farmers and agricultural technicians especially those in the remote areas who barely have access to soil laboratories. 

Dr. Mamaril joined PhilRice in 1996 as part time agronomy and soils research consultant after retiring from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) where he worked as agronomist since 1972.

At IRRI, he shared his expertise to rice growing countries in East, South, and Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines.

His scientific papers, book chapters, and presentations in national and international scientific conferences and fora contribute to the efficient use of fertilizer nutrients and soil fertility management of rice soils.

At PhilRice, his publication includes Practical guidelines in predicting fertility status of lowland rice soils. Published as technology bulletin, it highlights field conditions that aid farmers and field technicians in determining soil fertility.

The Excellence Award is the highest honor being given to professionals who have shown outstanding performance in their fields of specialization.  Awarded to 10 professionals in 2009, PFPA’s Excellence Award aims to boost the moral of professionals and inspire the Filipinos.

PFPA is an umbrella organization of 43 professional organizations in the Philippines.