THE government conferred a new batch and upgraded career scientists under the Scientific Career System (SCS), expanding the country’s pool of researchers recognized for their contributions to science and public service.
The oathtaking ceremony in Quezon City on October 17 gathered leaders from the science and civil service sectors.
A total of 14 new career scientists from various government agencies and state universities were conferred with Career Scientist Rank 1 (CS I) across four fields, such as health sciences, engineering, physical and mathematical sciences and agriculture.
The new batch of CS 1 includes: Dr. Eva Goyena of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Food and Nutrition Research Institute; Dr. Jayson Rogelio of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center; and Dr. Persia Ada De Yro and Dr. Ronaldo Parreño of the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute;
Dr. Hannah Bardolaza of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman National Institute of Physics; Dr. Joseph Basconcillo of the DOST-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; Dr. Joel Rivadeneira of UP Los Baños-Institute of Food Science and Technology (UPLB-IFST); Dr. Erlina Ronda of UP National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development;
Dr. Emma Ballad of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Dr. Orlando Calcetas of DA Calabarzon; Engr. Edgar Flores of DA Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization; Roanne Gardoce of UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB IPB); Dr. Mary-Nia Santos of the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute; and Dr. Lilian Villamor of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center.
Six other scientists were recognized for career advancement within the system. They are Dr. Roel Suralta, CS IV of DA Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-Philrice); Dr. Merdelyn Caasi-Lit, CS III of UPLB IPB; Dr. Fe dela Cueva, CS III of UPLB IPB; Marcela Navasero, CS III of UPLB-College of Agriculture and Food Science; Dindo King Donayre, CS II of DA-PhilRice; and Edwin Martin, CS II of DA-PhilRice.
The ceremony likewise honored former members of the SCC and its special technical committees, including Academician and former DOST secretary Estrella Alabastro, Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo, Dr. Renato Vega, Dr. Portia Lapitan, Dr. Carmencita Mateo, Dr. Maria Natalia Dimaano, Dr. Edanjarlo Marquez, Dr. Erna Arrolado and Dr. Doralyn Dalisay, for their service in advancing the SCS.
Established through Executive Order 901, the Scientific Career System provides a merit-based pathway for government scientists to move up in rank and receive incentives tied to research output and innovation.
It is jointly co-administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the DOST to strengthen the government’s research capacity and encourage long-term careers in science.
CSC and SCC Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap administered the oathtaking of the scientists.
The event was graced by DOST Secretary and SCC Co-Chairman Renato U. Solidum, Jr.; SCC member and Academician Jaime C. Montoya, who is the president of National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines; Academicians-Fortunato T. de la Peña, also a former DOST secretary; Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr.; and Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, among other guests.