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| Thelma F. Padolina, |
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.
The International Rice
Research Institute (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, Ms. 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, 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.
Ms. 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,” Ms. Padolina stressed.
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