Dr. Norvie L. Manigbas, scientist II and chief research science specialist at Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), was recognized as the 2021 Outstanding Agriculturist of the Year in a virtual awards ceremony, Nov.15.
The scientist is one of the 35 Outstanding Professional of the Year awardees recognized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Foundation of the Outstanding Professionals, Inc.
He was distinguished for his contributions in rice breeding, seed production and dissemination, molecular markers and techniques, agronomy and physiology, and gene-environment interaction (GxE) analysis.
Based on his citation, he showed exemplary service as the lead breeder of the first heat-tolerant rice NSIC Rc 600 and the first direct wet-seeded rice variety NSIC Rc 298. He is also a co-breeder of direct wet-seeded rice variety NSIC Rc 624.
Furthermore, his projects generated substantial funding for rice production and mechanization that benefited 16 farmers’ associations.
With almost 40 years of service in the agriculture sector, Manigbas earned recognitions and awards; two of these are the 2018 Presidential Lingkod Bayan and 2018 Gawad Saka awards.
The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award is the highest award given by the PRC for individuals who have sufficiently demonstrated competence of the highest degree and integrity in their profession.
