The first ever Filipino and the first woman to receive the Asian-wide Senadhira Rice Research Award is a PhilRice breeder. 
Thelma F. Padolina, a chemist-turned-breeder, who has been breeding for more than 30 years, will receive this award on Oct. 30 during the International Rice Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.
“When I was informed that I am chosen to receive the award, I was overwhelmed with joy. This award is important for me because my efforts as a breeder are recognized,” she said.
IRRI established this award in memory of Dr. Dharmawansa Senadhira, a Sri Lankan researcher who led IRRI’s flood-prone research program from 1996 to 1998. It is given to qualified scientists who have made outstanding contributions to rice research, especially for those involved in rice breeding and genetics, increasing tolerance for abiotic stresses, and improving micronutrient density.
Among many achievements, Padolina is a recipient of seven research-related awards, and a principal breeder of over 20 varieties.
Before the establishment of PhilRice, she co-developed varieties for irrigated lowland, cool elevated and other varieties for adverse conditions. She had major contributions in the development of BPI Ri10, BPI Ri12, PSB Rc6 and PSB Rc8 under the Maligaya Rice Research and Training Center and Bureau of Plant Industry from 1978 to 1985.
While working in PhilRice, she had the opportunity to work in the international research scene. She has networked with IRRI scientists on various activities (Phenotyping, TRRC, GRIsP-MET, RDA-GUVA), other international institutes (IAEA, JIRCAS, KOICA, JICA, KOPIA), and foreign countries (Brunei, China).
“I am grateful for the support of PhilRice. I was trained to breed by international experts through the collaboration of PhilRice with them,” she said.
She further said that being a female breeder is a challenge because there are people who tend to prefer men over women, but she was able to surmount these challenges with the love and passion she has for her work.
Padolina challenged other researchers to always have passion for their work, have the heart to learn continuously, and work with other experts and learn from them. Moreover, she encouraged breeders to pass their knowledge to others.
“Skills are earned through experience. Through time, you gradually learn and have an eye to decide which is better,” Padolina said.
