On Friday, 17 October 2025, the SCS formally conferred and upgraded a new cohort of government-career scientists during the oath taking ceremony held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. The event was attended by government leaders, representatives of the scientific community, the new honorees and their families — a moment of celebration, acknowledgement and renewed commitment to science and public service.
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NAST-DOST-SCS 2025 on 17 October at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon
City | Moments of pride and gratitude filled the SCS press conference as Filipino
scientists shared stories of perseverance, passion, and purpose in advancing
science for national growth.| Inspire Life Global TV – Pinoy Vision Blog by
Juliet Zapanta Cruz |
Key Messages from Officials
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
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| DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. shares how he never dreamed of becoming a scientist—but was destined to serve the nation through science. From geologist to PHIVOLCS chief to Secretary, his story embodies “Agham na Ramdam”—science that truly serves the Filipino people. | Inspire Life Global TV- Pinoy Vision Blog by Juliet Zapanta Cruz |
- Secretary Solidum recognized
that the new cohort of career scientists were drawn “from across key
fields of science and technology.”
- One of his direct quotes: “Science-based
information is one of the most important information that you should
have.”
- On discipline and integrity:
“Discipline is needed so that you can get the right information and not
fake news.”
- He asserted: “We have many
problems. But as scientists, if we can do it, let’s do it ourselves.”
- He emphasized that
scientists are not just researchers, but communicators: “First and
foremost they are scientists, and they need the help of science
communicators so that they can livestream so that everybody will
understand.”
- He also spoke of his own
journey in government service (nearly 40 years) and how he could have
chosen a more “popular” path but opted for service through science.
- He reiterated his
commitment: “I really wanted to help our country. Hence, I promote the
four pillars of DOST.”
- Taken together, his messages emphasize service, integrity, communication, and applied science.
NAST PHL / SCS Executive Secretary Director Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo
- Director Samarita-Domingo
highlighted that the SCS is chaired by the Civil Service Commission (CSC)
and co-chaired by the DOST.
- She noted that the SCS began
in 1994 (as she said at the ceremony) and since then more than 200
Filipino scientists have been conferred or upgraded under the system.
- Her message underscores the
institutional history of the SCS, the value of continuity, and the
cumulative impact of recognizing career scientists.
Other Officials
- The CSC Chairperson (Atty.
Marilyn B. Yap) was present and offered congratulations to the honorees.
- Former officials and
academicians such as Fortunato T. Dela Pena (who conferred certain ranks)
were also present, highlighting the link between past and present in the
SCS.
- The structure of the
ceremony also included recognition for “dedicated service” of previous
members of the Scientific Career Council and Special Technical Committees.
Reflections from the Scientists
During
the post-ceremony press conference (as reported), several of the newly
conferred and upgraded career scientists shared meaningful reflections.
Key take-aways include:
- Many emphasized science-based
adaptations for policy-making — that their research is linked to
actual government decisions or societal needs (food security, climate
change, etc.).
- A deep sense of gratitude:
to their institutions, mentors, families.
- One scientist noted: “Scientific
career is not a race. It is a journey.”
- Some scientists made
personal choices of staying in the Philippines despite offers abroad, out
of patriotism and desire for national service.
- They highlighted that their
respective works link to pressing national issues: e.g., banana export
vulnerability to disease; curriculum development that is research-based;
three strategic pillars of DOST-PAGASA (sustainability, human being,
protection).
- A note about rewards: one
retiree said: “Being a career scientist is very rewarding and challenging.
You can be a millionaire upon retirement because of the benefit of one
rank higher upon retirement.” This was an inspiring remark that draws
attention to the material incentives tied to the system.
What These Messages Tell Us
From the
speeches and reflections, here are some themes worth noting:
1. Science as Service
The
repeated theme is that these scientists are not doing “science for science’s
sake” only, but doing science as service to country and fellow citizens.
Secretary Solidum’s call that scientists “do it ourselves” speaks to ownership
and responsibility.
2. The Importance of Communication
Science
does not end at publication — one official highlighted the need for scientists
to be supported by science communicators so the work reaches a broader public.
This underscores the translation of research into awareness, policy, action.
3. Recognizing the Journey
The
phrase “scientific career is not a race, it is a journey” captures the mindset
of continuous growth, learning, and contribution rather than mere
trophy-seeking or for recognition sake. The presence of long-serving officials
and retirees reminds us of the long-term nature of scientific service.
4. Institutionalizing Science Careers
The SCS
via the CSC-DOST mechanism, and the history noted by Director Samarita-Domingo,
shows how the Philippines is building structures to reward, recognize and
retain scientific talent in government service. This gives scientists a clearer
career path and helps institutional memory.
5. Tying Research to Real-World Problems
The
scientists’ reflections point to aligning research agendas with national
priorities: food security, climate change adaptation, disease resilience,
technology development, etc. This alignment is critical for science to be
relevant and impactful.
6. Incentives and Motivation
While
intrinsic motivation is strong (service, patriotism, public good), the remarks
also acknowledge material benefits of being a career scientist. This shows a
dual model of intrinsic + extrinsic motivation.
Congratulations to the 2025 SCS Awardees
Kudos to these newly Conferred Career Scientists!
Health Sciences
Division – Presented by Academician Rody G.Sy
1. Dr. Eva A. Goyena, Scientist I - DOST-FNRI
Engineering
Sciences and Technology Division – Presented by Academician Fortunato T dela Pena
2. Dr. Jayson P. Rogelio, Scientist
II - DOST-MIRDC
3. Dr. Persia Ada N. Yro, Scientist
I – DOST-ITDI
4. Dr. Ronaldo P. Parreno Jr.,
Scientist I – DOST-ITDI
Mathematical
and Physical Sciences Division – Presented by Academician Fabian M Dayrit
5. Dr. Hannah R. Bardolaza, Scientist
I – DOST-NIP
6. Dr. Joseph Q. Basconcillo,
Scientist I – DOST-PAGASA
7. Dr. Joel P. Rivadeneira, Scientist
I – UPLB–IFST
8. Dr. Erlina R. Ronda, Scientist I –
UPD-NISMED
Agricultural
Sciences Division – Presented by Academician Eufemio T. Rasco Jr.
9. Dr. Emma L. Ballad, Scientist I –
DA-BFAR RO2
10. Dr. Orlando A. Calcetas, Scientist I – DA-RFO
Calabarzon
11. Engr. Edgar D. Flores, Scientist I – DA-Philmech
12. Ms. Roanne R. Gardoce, Scientist I – UPLB-IPB
13. Dr. Mary-Nia M. Santos, Scientist I – DA-NFRDI
14. Dr. Lilian P. Villamor, Scientist I – DA-PCC
Amazing
Level-up to Newly Upgraded!
15. Dr. Roel R.Suralta, Scientist IV –
DA-PhilRice
16. Dr. Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit,
Scientist III - UPLB-IPB
17. Dr.Fe M.dela Cueva, Scientist III – UPLB-IPB
18. Ms. Marcela M. Navasero, Scientist III – UPLB-CAFS
NCPC
19. Mr. Dindo King M.Donayre, Scientist II – DA-PhilRice
20. Mr. Edwin C. Martin, Scientist II – DA-PhilRice
Closing Thoughts
The 17
October 2025 SCS Oath Taking was not merely a ceremonial event—it marked a
reaffirmation of the role of science in national development, the commitment of
scientists to public service, and the institutional mechanisms that support
that role.
For the
scientists who took their oath, the journey continues — with expectations of
performance, communication, impact, and mentorship. For the nation, it is a signal that science
and technology remain central to our efforts in addressing the challenges of
our time: climate change, food security, health, innovation and more.
If you
are a budding scientist or someone interested in policy-science interplay, keep
these messages in mind: your career is a journey of service, your research
should aim for translation, and both passion and structure matter.
Comment
below, what science and technology you are interested in or wanted to
share. Keep on engaging!
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| The media and influencers with the NAST PHL Executive Secretary Luningning Samarita-Domingo after the Scientific Career System on October 17, 2025 at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City | Inspire Life Global TV - PinoyVision Blog by Juliet Zapanta Cruz |
#2025SCSOathTaking
#FilipinoCareerScientists
#PublicServiceThroughScience
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| Smile and be happy! The media and influencers at SCS2025 |
