Three PhilRice scientists were recognized by the local government of the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija for “giving pride and honor to the city and for their contribution in scientific research.”
The Institute’s executive director Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., Ms. Thelma F. Padolina, and Dr. Riza A. Ramos received plaques of recognition during the Teachers and Employees’ Night, January 9.
Ramos was recognized for receiving the 2014 UPLB Distinguished Alumna Award and Padolina for the Asian-wide Senadhira Rice Research Award given by the International Rice Research Institute.
Padolina is the first Filipino and the first woman Senadhira awardee.
Meanwhile, UPLB recognized Ramos’s contribution in enhancing the micronutrient content (folate, iron and zinc) of Philippine rice, which created significant impact on the complementary and sustainable solution to the micronutrient-deficiency problem in the country. She has numerous publications in the said area in refereed international journals.
The UK-educated scientist is currently the chief of PhilRice’s Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division. Her current research involvement is on nutritional quality assessment important for Philippine rice, factors influencing food intake and nutritional status of rice-based farm households, and quality assessment of iron and zinc rice lines.
Focused and significant accomplishments on rice breeding thereby contributing significantly to improving Filipino farmers’ lives earned Padolina the Senadhira Rice Research Award.
“PhilRice is known for its world-class efforts in rice science. The staff complementing the mission of PhilRice is one of the most important building blocks to sustain the excellent status of the Institute,” said Padolina.
Padolina, who just recently retired, served the Institute for 26 years. She chaired the Rice Technical Working Group (RTWG) from 1993 to 1995 and has been the National Cooperative Test Coordinator from 1998 to present. The RTWG implements the NCT and is a technical working group of the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) mandated under the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992 (RA 7308) to nominate new and improved rice varieties for cultivation.
“We are proud of the individual accomplishments of our staff members who have earned their awards through persistent dedication and hard work. For PhilRice to preserve its tradition of excellence, it must continue to improve,” said Rasco who received the Leadership Award.
The City recognized 17 outstanding individuals from different agencies.
The Science City of Muñoz is home to various research and educational institutions such as the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
