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.
Dr. 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.
Ms.
Padolina is the first Filipino and the first woman Senadhira awardee.
Meanwhile,
UPLB recognized Dr. 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 Ms. 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 Ms. Padolina.
Ms.
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 Dr. 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).
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