In memory of the late Reynaldo A Tabbada, PhD and Ruben C Umaly, PhD. both former professors of the author and Dr Sel Cabigan at the UST Graduate School.
Dr Abe V Rotor
Dr Anselmo S Cabigan (right) and author examine a rare plant specimen atop Tagaytay Ridge. Both are retired biology professors, and directors of the National Food Authority. They are disciples of the "old school" of Eduardo Quisumbing, Nemesio Mendiola, Juan Aquino, Leopoldo Karganilla, Fernando de Peralta, Deogreacias Villadolid, Jose Capinpin, Santiago Cruz et al - vanguards of science in the Philippines.
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Author's Note: The final draft of the human genome - the “book of life” has been completed. In 2000 the first draft of the Human Genome Project was made public by the US-UK Human Genome Project’s head, Francis Collins, and J. Craig Venter of Celera Genomics, a private company. They led the celebration of the most important discovery equaled only by the splitting of the atom in the last century. The breakthrough revolutionizes medicine and biology, and has deep ethical and moral implications, as the discovery could lead to the cure of killer diseases through what scientists call gene therapy, and the broadening of genetic engineering possibilities that may lead to the “creation” of life itself.
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While the world celebrates the greatest discovery of the new millenium - the cracking of the genetic code - let us turn our thoughts to our own biologists and dedicate this article to them. May their pioneering spirit in the development of biology in the Philippines be brought closer to our youth for them to look into the great potentials of biology as a career.
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One of the early biologists was Eduardo Quisumbing the author of Medicinal Plants of the Philippines. Although it was written in the fifties the book is still the most popular reference in pharmacology. It is used in agronomy and horticulture. If you want to know what a certain plant can cure, how it is prepared and administered to the patient, flip the pages his book. It gives the botanical description of the plant so that it can be identifies. It is dubbed as the “bible of medicinal plants,” which anyone can use - in the school, barangay and in the home.
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Nemesio Mendiola (1890-1983) is the country's counterpart of the American "plant wizard," Luther Burbank. He was responsible in breeding high yielding rice, corn, sugar cane, and a host of horticultural crops, including fancy plants. Have you seen kamote (sweet potato) varieties with yellow, violet and blue tubers? He bred the spineless kenaf from the wild thorny native variety and became the source of fiber for commercial jute sacks.
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People’s Health and Welfare
Earlier, Leon Ma. Guerrero (1853-1935), the father of botany in the Philippines and one of the first Filipino pharmacists, formulated medicine and drugs from 174 plants in place of synthetic drugs which were not available then. When President Emilio Aguinaldo ran out of ammunition, he formulated an explosive derived from plants. It proved to be a good substitute to gunpowder. It was later named Guerrero Powder. One of the ingredients the author discovered is the hard seed coat of cashew (Canarium luzonicum).
“Necessity,” it is said, “is the mother of invention.” Life went through difficult times even after gaining our independence from Spain and the US and later from the Japanese. It is in these times that great minds were challenged.
Take the case of Maria Y Orosa (1893- 1945). Her discoveries in food preservation and innovations in salting, marinating, and picklingmade home economics and food technology household terms. So simple are her techniques that they can be adopted at the grassroots. They are also friendly to health and the environment.
A significant contribution to the improvement of health came from Hilarion Lara (1994-1987), an epidemiologist who advocated environmental sanitation in the control of cholera, typhoid, measles, dysentery and diphtheria. For this he did not only earn the title of National Scientist, but his fame gained international acclaim.
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People’s Health and Welfare
Earlier, Leon Ma. Guerrero (1853-1935), the father of botany in the Philippines and one of the first Filipino pharmacists, formulated medicine and drugs from 174 plants in place of synthetic drugs which were not available then. When President Emilio Aguinaldo ran out of ammunition, he formulated an explosive derived from plants. It proved to be a good substitute to gunpowder. It was later named Guerrero Powder. One of the ingredients the author discovered is the hard seed coat of cashew (Canarium luzonicum).
“Necessity,” it is said, “is the mother of invention.” Life went through difficult times even after gaining our independence from Spain and the US and later from the Japanese. It is in these times that great minds were challenged.
Take the case of Maria Y Orosa (1893- 1945). Her discoveries in food preservation and innovations in salting, marinating, and picklingmade home economics and food technology household terms. So simple are her techniques that they can be adopted at the grassroots. They are also friendly to health and the environment.
A significant contribution to the improvement of health came from Hilarion Lara (1994-1987), an epidemiologist who advocated environmental sanitation in the control of cholera, typhoid, measles, dysentery and diphtheria. For this he did not only earn the title of National Scientist, but his fame gained international acclaim.
Beri-beri and Allergy
It was Manuel Ma. Guerrero (1877-1919) who succeeded in controlling infantile beri-beri. Dr. Juan Salcedo (1904-1988) who was then chairman of the National Science Development Board came up with a special vitamin against beri-beri for all ages, a feat which became internationally famous. Thanks to Dr. Guerrero and Dr. Salcedo this scourge of millions of children all over the world can be now controlled down to the village level. These great Filipino scientists are dubbed the “nemesis of beri-beri”.
More discoveries that improved health were made. Alfredo Santos (1900-1979), one of the founders of the National Academy of Science discovered paheantharine from plants as a treatment of high blood pressure. For this he earned the honor of National Scientist.
Candido M. Africa (1895-1945) succeeded in determining the causes of heart failure and how it can be prevented. In the field of allergy, Arturo B. Rotor (1908-1993), who was also Executive Secretary of President Manuel L. Quezon, and later President Sergio Osmena, developed a technique in detecting and controlling allergy. It was later named Rotor Syndrome, and is now a standard procedure used by medical schools and hospitals here and abroad. Dr. Rotor also wrote a column, “Confidentially Yours, Doctor,” written in simple and plain English for people to understand the doctor’s lingo. A number of orchids he discovered were named after him.
Antonio Ejercito spearheaded malaria control, while Dr. Sixto A. Francisco (1890-1959) fought tuberculosis with a method he developed with the use of BCG vaccine. Anastacia Giron Tupas (1890-1972) upgraded the nursing profession. She is our own Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession. Fe del Mundo (1907- ) institutionalized the treatment of children by putting up of hospitals for children. These hospitals are among the best-managed hospitals today. Among her inventions are an incubator for babies, and a devise in relieving jaundice. Her name is an institution in the field of pediatrics medicine.
It was Manuel Ma. Guerrero (1877-1919) who succeeded in controlling infantile beri-beri. Dr. Juan Salcedo (1904-1988) who was then chairman of the National Science Development Board came up with a special vitamin against beri-beri for all ages, a feat which became internationally famous. Thanks to Dr. Guerrero and Dr. Salcedo this scourge of millions of children all over the world can be now controlled down to the village level. These great Filipino scientists are dubbed the “nemesis of beri-beri”.
More discoveries that improved health were made. Alfredo Santos (1900-1979), one of the founders of the National Academy of Science discovered paheantharine from plants as a treatment of high blood pressure. For this he earned the honor of National Scientist.
Candido M. Africa (1895-1945) succeeded in determining the causes of heart failure and how it can be prevented. In the field of allergy, Arturo B. Rotor (1908-1993), who was also Executive Secretary of President Manuel L. Quezon, and later President Sergio Osmena, developed a technique in detecting and controlling allergy. It was later named Rotor Syndrome, and is now a standard procedure used by medical schools and hospitals here and abroad. Dr. Rotor also wrote a column, “Confidentially Yours, Doctor,” written in simple and plain English for people to understand the doctor’s lingo. A number of orchids he discovered were named after him.
Antonio Ejercito spearheaded malaria control, while Dr. Sixto A. Francisco (1890-1959) fought tuberculosis with a method he developed with the use of BCG vaccine. Anastacia Giron Tupas (1890-1972) upgraded the nursing profession. She is our own Florence Nightingale, the founder of the nursing profession. Fe del Mundo (1907- ) institutionalized the treatment of children by putting up of hospitals for children. These hospitals are among the best-managed hospitals today. Among her inventions are an incubator for babies, and a devise in relieving jaundice. Her name is an institution in the field of pediatrics medicine.
Biology and AgricultureThe author had the privilege to study genetics under Nemesio Mendiola (1890-1983). Dr. Mendiola is the country’s counterpart of the American “plant wizzard,” Luther Burbank. He was responsible in breeding high yielding rice, corn, sugar cane, and a host of horticultural crops, including fancy plants. Have you seen kamote (sweet potato) varieties with yellow, violet and blue tubers? If you happen to see a dwarf gumamela (Hibiscus rosasinensis) with bright long-lived flowers, it is also the work of Dr. Mendiola. He bred the spineless kenaf from the wild thorny native variety and became the source of fiber for commercial jute sacks.
Another great mind biology is Deogracias Villadolid (PHOTO). He was professor in zoology and served as critic of the author’s masteral thesis in freshwater ecology. Dr. Deogracias Villadolid, a marine and fresh water biologist, is best remembered for introducing tilapia (Tilapia monzambica and T. nilotica) into the Philippines in the fifties. The fish became adapted to local conditions that today it is the most popular fish, surpassing bangus, our national fish.
Here is a list of other Filipino biologists and their significant contributions:
Julian A. Banzon (1908-1988) developed alternative fuel from coconut and sugarcane. Ironically while millions of cars run on alcogas in other countries, we have not tapped Dr. Banzon’s formula for our local cars.
Felix D. Maramba Sr (1898- 1990?) harnessed biogas from animal waste. His project, Maya Farms in Rizal, is the most popular model in the country for small and medium size biogas generator. Like LPG, the gas collected and processed from piggery waste is used for the kitchen and in generating electricity. It became a world’s model for its kind.
Angel S. Arguelles (1888-1988?) developed fertilizers and pesticides to increase plant yield. These alternative farm inputs can save the country of precious dollars that is otherwise spent on imported farm chemicals, which by the way, are deleterious to health and the environment. His formulations set the foundation of organic farming.
Gregorio Velasquez is the father of phycology, the study of algae, which include the seaweeds. Today the culture of certain seaweeds, like Eucheuma and Gracillaria and Caulerpa, constitute a multi-million industry. Seaweeds are used as food and raw materials in medicine and industries. Micro-algae like Spirulina and Chlorella are among today’s growing health food.
Here is a list of other Filipino biologists and their significant contributions:
Julian A. Banzon (1908-1988) developed alternative fuel from coconut and sugarcane. Ironically while millions of cars run on alcogas in other countries, we have not tapped Dr. Banzon’s formula for our local cars.
Felix D. Maramba Sr (1898- 1990?) harnessed biogas from animal waste. His project, Maya Farms in Rizal, is the most popular model in the country for small and medium size biogas generator. Like LPG, the gas collected and processed from piggery waste is used for the kitchen and in generating electricity. It became a world’s model for its kind.
Angel S. Arguelles (1888-1988?) developed fertilizers and pesticides to increase plant yield. These alternative farm inputs can save the country of precious dollars that is otherwise spent on imported farm chemicals, which by the way, are deleterious to health and the environment. His formulations set the foundation of organic farming.
Gregorio Velasquez is the father of phycology, the study of algae, which include the seaweeds. Today the culture of certain seaweeds, like Eucheuma and Gracillaria and Caulerpa, constitute a multi-million industry. Seaweeds are used as food and raw materials in medicine and industries. Micro-algae like Spirulina and Chlorella are among today’s growing health food.
Gerardo Ocfemia, the father of plant pathology in the Philippines. He is best known for discovering the cause of cadang-cadang, a pandemic viral disease of coconut. He was responsible in the identification and control of many other plant diseases in the Philippines.
Dioscoro L. Umali (1922-1992) The author had the privilege of consulting Dr. Umali for his advice in the drafting of the Magna Carta for Small Farmers. A former dean of then UP College of Agriculture, he assumed one of the highest posts occupied by a Filipino in the UN as regional head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Asia and Pacific. His works in plant breeding, education and research won him the National Scientist award.
These scientists also excelled in their fields: Salvador M. Africa (chemist, made glass from sugarcane bagasse), and Anacleto del Rosario (discovered natural mineral water).
Of course, we recognize the greatest Filipino who ever lived, the hero of our race, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Dr. Rizal was a biologist, agriculturist and wildlife conservationist, even while he was in exile at Dapitan. Among his discoveries is a winged tree lizard, which was later named after him, Draco rizali.
Old Masters of the Life Sciences
The author treasures happy memories through his privileged association as a student and professor in the company of the following masters during the fifties and sixties. They constitute the so-called “old school of biology.”
· Fernando de Peralta – Botany
· Fortunato T. Basilio – Animal Science
· Juan P. Torres - Agriculture
· Santiago R. Cruz – Agriculture
· Jose Capinpin - Agriculture
· Gerardo Ocfemia – Plant Pathology
· Juan Aquino – Soil Science
· Domingo B. Paguirigan - Agriculture
· Fortunato T. Basilio – Animal Science
· Romeo Rejesus – Entomology
· Ricardo P. Sevilla – Veterinary Medicine
· Eulalio P. Baltazar - Agronomy
· Romeo Alicbusan – Mycology
· Francisco Fronda – Animal Science
· Martin S. Celino – Agronomy
· Francisco B. Claridad – Genetics
· Romeo Rejesus – Entomology
· Alfredo D. Dean – Entomology
· Vito F. Del Fierro, Jr – Animal Science
· Leopoldo T. Karganilla - Entomology
· Emiliano Roldan – Plant Pathology
· Rufino Gapuz – Animal Science
· Emil Javier – Genetics
· Clare Baltazar - Entomology
· Ramon Valmayor – Agriculture
The author also expresses his admiration to these contemporary Filipino scientists whom he had the chance to study and work with in the academe, in research institutions and in the field. Together with other scientists, they belong to the
The author treasures happy memories through his privileged association as a student and professor in the company of the following masters during the fifties and sixties. They constitute the so-called “old school of biology.”
· Fernando de Peralta – Botany
· Fortunato T. Basilio – Animal Science
· Juan P. Torres - Agriculture
· Santiago R. Cruz – Agriculture
· Jose Capinpin - Agriculture
· Gerardo Ocfemia – Plant Pathology
· Juan Aquino – Soil Science
· Domingo B. Paguirigan - Agriculture
· Fortunato T. Basilio – Animal Science
· Romeo Rejesus – Entomology
· Ricardo P. Sevilla – Veterinary Medicine
· Eulalio P. Baltazar - Agronomy
· Romeo Alicbusan – Mycology
· Francisco Fronda – Animal Science
· Martin S. Celino – Agronomy
· Francisco B. Claridad – Genetics
· Romeo Rejesus – Entomology
· Alfredo D. Dean – Entomology
· Vito F. Del Fierro, Jr – Animal Science
· Leopoldo T. Karganilla - Entomology
· Emiliano Roldan – Plant Pathology
· Rufino Gapuz – Animal Science
· Emil Javier – Genetics
· Clare Baltazar - Entomology
· Ramon Valmayor – Agriculture
The author also expresses his admiration to these contemporary Filipino scientists whom he had the chance to study and work with in the academe, in research institutions and in the field. Together with other scientists, they belong to the
“contemporary school of biology.” Among them are Reynaldo A. Tabbada (botany), Paciente Cordero (marine biology), Romualdo M. del Rosario (Botany), Ruben Umaly (Genetics), Crisanto Escaño (agriculture), Carmen Kanapi (Genetics), Sister Mamerta R. Rocero (ethnobotany), Alice Claustro (Botany), Anselmo S. Cabigan (Biology), Irineo Dogma (Microbiology) and Lydia Joson (microbiology). The author likewise expresses recognition to scientists in the other fields of natural science, particularly in chemistry and physics.
The author also acknowledges his former students who became practicing biologists - researchers, teachers, community workers, and the like. They are among those who constitute today’s “workforce in biology.”
New Fields of Biology- A Challenge to the youth
These ten major biological research areas pose a challenge to the youth of today who may take interest in becoming biologists.
BiotechnologyMarine biologyClimatologyHuman longevityEffects of pollutionEndangered ecosystems and speciesExobiology and Space biologyNatural food and medicinePandemic human diseasesGene therapy
Now that the genetic code has been broken, we are embarking into new fields of science and technology heretofore unknown to man - and into the mystery of life itself, a subject that has long defied man’s knowledge.
The mapping of the 46 chromosomes of the human species and the 50,000 or so genes that they hold may have taken us a leap forward into knowing the key to life. But even if we shall have finally identified the specific role of each gene in relation to health, behavior and intrinsic qualities, we would still be in quandary whether this discovery will make life any better, happier and well-lived.
As we look back, our pioneer biologists may not have cracked the gene, but definitely they have in their own quiet and humble ways brought honors to their race and profession. Most important of all, they have improved the lives of millions of not only Filipinos but other people around the world through their genius, efforts, dedication – and selflessness.
May this article serve as a simple expression of our respect and gratitude to these scientists and many other great Filipinos. ~
Posted by Abe V. Rotor at 3:54 AM
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1 comment:
UnknownSeptember 8, 2017 at 5:36 PM
Hi Dr. Abe. I have a friend whose aunt is a friend of yours and Dr. Anselmo. She is now in the Philippines for a vacation and she wants to know how she can contact Dr. Anselmo. If you happen to know any contact number of Dr. Anselmo, please message me in Facebook. It'll be a very big help. Thanks Dr. Abe. God bless!
The mapping of the 46 chromosomes of the human species and the 50,000 or so genes that they hold may have taken us a leap forward into knowing the key to life. But even if we shall have finally identified the specific role of each gene in relation to health, behavior and intrinsic qualities, we would still be in quandary whether this discovery will make life any better, happier and well-lived.
As we look back, our pioneer biologists may not have cracked the gene, but definitely they have in their own quiet and humble ways brought honors to their race and profession. Most important of all, they have improved the lives of millions of not only Filipinos but other people around the world through their genius, efforts, dedication – and selflessness.
May this article serve as a simple expression of our respect and gratitude to these scientists and many other great Filipinos. ~
Posted by Abe V. Rotor at 3:54 AM
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest
1 comment:
UnknownSeptember 8, 2017 at 5:36 PM
Hi Dr. Abe. I have a friend whose aunt is a friend of yours and Dr. Anselmo. She is now in the Philippines for a vacation and she wants to know how she can contact Dr. Anselmo. If you happen to know any contact number of Dr. Anselmo, please message me in Facebook. It'll be a very big help. Thanks Dr. Abe. God bless!
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