Despite the Philippines’ rich agricultural lands, the country ironically finds itself in a position where it is forecasted to import 4.7 million metric tons of rice for the 2023-2024 marketing year. This situation further cements the Philippines’ status as the world’s top rice importer.
This situation is not just a result of recent developments but also a consequence of historical and systemic challenges, such as land ownership issues dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Inadequate support for farmers, particularly in infrastructure, limited access to financing, and climate disruptions due to the country’s geographical location have further hindered the agricultural sector’s competitiveness. As a result, many farmers continue to live in poverty, with some abandoning agriculture altogether in search of better opportunities in urban areas or exploring alternative income streams, especially in the digital age.
Yet, even in the face of these daunting challenges, there are Filipinos who embody hope and resilience, proving that the country’s agricultural future is not bleak. Dr. Romulo G. Davide, the newly conferred National Scientist from Argao, stands as a testament to this belief. “There is no barren land, only barren minds,” he often quotes, a lesson he learned from his father.
Dr. Davide’s groundbreaking work, from developing a biological control agent against nematodes—providing Filipino farmers with an alternative to harmful chemical nematicides—to establishing the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP), which has positively impacted the lives of over 70,000 Filipino farmers, demonstrates that hope is not lost. His efforts inspire a future where Filipino farmers can thrive, not just survive.
Plant Pathologist and Nematologist from Argao Becomes the 44th Filipino to be Conferred to the Order of National Scientists
In August 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 643, conferring Dr. Romulo G. Davide the title of National Scientist, making him the 44th Filipino to receive this prestigious honor. Dr. Davide now joins a distinguished group of individuals who have made significant contributions to scientific research and knowledge in the Philippines, including Dr. Ramon Barba, known for making fresh mangoes available year-round, and Casimiro del Rosario, from Bantayan, Cebu, who was recognized for his pioneering work in the fields of physics, astronomy, and meteorology, as well as his development of scientific instruments and contributions to the advancement of the Philippine Weather Bureau.
Dr. Davide, the elder brother of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., and uncle of incumbent Cebu Province Vice Governor Hilario P. Davide III, is widely recognized for his pioneering work in plant pathology and nematology—the study of plant diseases and roundworms, respectively. His discovery of a biological control agent against nematodes, which offered Filipino farmers a safer alternative to chemical nematicides, earned him the title “Father of Plant Nematology.” Beyond this, Dr. Davide’s contributions span across various fields, including plant pathology, epidemiology, host range studies, life cycle analysis, taxonomy, and the management of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Understanding the importance of sharing knowledge, Dr. Davide developed the FSTP, through which his mentorship has inspired countless students and professionals to pursue careers in plant pathology and nematology. His dedication to education and research has left an indelible mark on the agricultural sciences in the Philippines.
Dr. Davide’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture-Plant Pathology from UP Los Baños in 1957. He later earned his Master’s degree in Plant Pathology from Oklahoma State University in 1962, and three years later, completed his Doctorate in Nematology-Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University.
In 2002, he was elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL), further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the scientific community. In 2012, Dr. Davide received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his development of BIOCON, the first Philippine pesticide effective against roundworms infesting crops—a practical and safer substitute for toxic and expensive nematicides.
The Order of National Scientist Award (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Agham) is the highest recognition given to a Filipino scientist, administered by NAST PHL and conferred by the President of the Philippines. Dr. Davide shares this honor with Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, a world-renowned clinical geneticist recognized for her pioneering work in newborn screening and the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center (PCG). Dr. Padilla’s research on the prevalence and cost-benefit analysis of a national newborn screening program provided the foundation for the enactment of Republic Act No. 9288, or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004. Today, this program is implemented in over 7,400 health facilities across the Philippines, saving countless lives from mental retardation and death caused by congenital disorders detectable at birth.
Dr. Romulo G. Davide’s journey from a small town in Argao to becoming a National Scientist serves as a powerful reminder to the youth: the future of our nation lies in our hands. In a world full of challenges, it’s innovative minds and dedicated hearts that will drive progress. Dr. Davide’s work reminds us that no problem is too great to solve, and no land is too barren to cultivate—if we approach it with creativity, knowledge, and determination. As the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators, it’s up to you to continue this legacy of excellence and bring about the positive change our country needs.
