Honorable Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, Civil Service Commission Chairperson (extreme left) administers the oathtaking of PNRI Agriculture Research Section Head Ms. Glenda Obra (4th from right) and Mr. Fernando Aurigue from the PNRI Plant Mutation Breeding and Biotechnology Research Unit (3rd from right) as they joined the new batch of Scientists under the Scientific Career System on June 19 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Also in photo are Dr. Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo, Director IV, National Academy of Science and Technology – Philippines and Dr. Christina Binag, President of the National Research Council of the Philippines (1st and 2nd from right, respectively)
Two New Scientists from PNRI Agriculture Research Section
Heralding the improving capabilities and recognition among its research and development personnel, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) proudly congratulates two of its researchers in the field of agriculture who were included in the most recent batch of Scientists under the Scientific Career System.
Glenda Obra, the section head of the PNRI Agriculture Research Section and Fernando Aurigue of the Plant Mutation Breeding and Biotechnology Research Group were formally awarded the rank of Scientist I along with three other researchers from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) during the oathtaking ceremonies hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on June 19 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
The oathtaking of new scientists was administered by Honorable Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, Chairperson, Civil Service Commission and Chairperson of the Scientific Career Council.
Specializing in entomology, Ms. Obra devoted her research to study the applications of radiation against pests which damage crops. Under her watch, PNRI has developed several measures which helped improve the welfare of the mango industry such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) against fruit flies in Guimaras Island, as well as the irradiation quarantine treatment for the mango pulp weevil, which is now certified under the US Federal Register.
She was also involved in the establishment of a treatment protocol on extended hot water dip (EHWD) as an alternative quarantine treatment for mangoes exported to China. Her section is currently developing SIT for use against mosquitos such as Aedes aegypti, which serves as the vector for the dreaded dengue virus.
Meanwhile, Mr. Aurigue’s work at PNRI involved the use of radiation to develop mutant varieties of ornamental plants such as orchids, anthuriums and hoyas. Mutation breeding involves the exposure of these crops to radiation to improve its characteristics such as changes in color, increase in yield, shortening of height and strengthened resistance against diseases. After several years of testing, three of these mutant varieties – Sword of Ibe (Sansevieria trifasciata), Golden Stairs (Freycinetia mulutiflora) and Afable (Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi') were successfully registered with the National Seed Industry Council as well as the Mutant Variety Database under the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Aside from his mutation breeding studies, Mr. Aurigue also contributed greatly to the study and popularization of Philippine Hoyas, having collected around 305 species, which are being maintained at the PNRI. Mr. Aurigue is also currently involved in the development and testing of PNRI’s recently developed Plant Food Supplements from irradiated natural polymers, which can increase the yield and resistance of food crops such as rice, mungbean and peanut.
Aiming to support the career and recognition of scientists in the public service, the Scientific Career System was established through Executive Order 784 and Executive Order 901, and was further strengthened by Republic Act 8439, also known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government.
Entry in the Scientific Career System is both an honor and a challenge, with those selected having at least a master’s degree in the sciences, as well as significant outputs and contributions in relevant fields of applied and natural science. These include major publications such as scientific articles in international journals, books and compendiums, development of inventions, discoveries, practical applications of research findings and the training of the next generation of researchers, among others.
Two New Scientists from PNRI Agriculture Research Section
Heralding the improving capabilities and recognition among its research and development personnel, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) proudly congratulates two of its researchers in the field of agriculture who were included in the most recent batch of Scientists under the Scientific Career System.
Glenda Obra, the section head of the PNRI Agriculture Research Section and Fernando Aurigue of the Plant Mutation Breeding and Biotechnology Research Group were formally awarded the rank of Scientist I along with three other researchers from the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) during the oathtaking ceremonies hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on June 19 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
The oathtaking of new scientists was administered by Honorable Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, Chairperson, Civil Service Commission and Chairperson of the Scientific Career Council.
Specializing in entomology, Ms. Obra devoted her research to study the applications of radiation against pests which damage crops. Under her watch, PNRI has developed several measures which helped improve the welfare of the mango industry such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) against fruit flies in Guimaras Island, as well as the irradiation quarantine treatment for the mango pulp weevil, which is now certified under the US Federal Register.
She was also involved in the establishment of a treatment protocol on extended hot water dip (EHWD) as an alternative quarantine treatment for mangoes exported to China. Her section is currently developing SIT for use against mosquitos such as Aedes aegypti, which serves as the vector for the dreaded dengue virus.
Meanwhile, Mr. Aurigue’s work at PNRI involved the use of radiation to develop mutant varieties of ornamental plants such as orchids, anthuriums and hoyas. Mutation breeding involves the exposure of these crops to radiation to improve its characteristics such as changes in color, increase in yield, shortening of height and strengthened resistance against diseases. After several years of testing, three of these mutant varieties – Sword of Ibe (Sansevieria trifasciata), Golden Stairs (Freycinetia mulutiflora) and Afable (Cordyline fruticosa 'Kiwi') were successfully registered with the National Seed Industry Council as well as the Mutant Variety Database under the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Aside from his mutation breeding studies, Mr. Aurigue also contributed greatly to the study and popularization of Philippine Hoyas, having collected around 305 species, which are being maintained at the PNRI. Mr. Aurigue is also currently involved in the development and testing of PNRI’s recently developed Plant Food Supplements from irradiated natural polymers, which can increase the yield and resistance of food crops such as rice, mungbean and peanut.
Aiming to support the career and recognition of scientists in the public service, the Scientific Career System was established through Executive Order 784 and Executive Order 901, and was further strengthened by Republic Act 8439, also known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government.
Entry in the Scientific Career System is both an honor and a challenge, with those selected having at least a master’s degree in the sciences, as well as significant outputs and contributions in relevant fields of applied and natural science. These include major publications such as scientific articles in international journals, books and compendiums, development of inventions, discoveries, practical applications of research findings and the training of the next generation of researchers, among others.
