NANGAKO si Pangulong Duterte nitong Martes na patuloy na isusulong ang reporma na magpapaangat ng kakayahan at kompitensya ng mga siyentista sa bansa.

Ito ang naging pangako ni Duterte matapos ang paggawad ng ranggo at titulo kay National Scientist on Dr. Emil Javier, isang agriculture expert.

“As we bestow this honor on Dr. Javier, we reaffirm the critical role of science and technology in the development of our country,” pahayag ng Pangulo sa kanyan g talumpati sa Malacañan Palace.

“Be assured that my administration will continue to pursue programs and initiatives that will further enable, empower and harness the potential of the scientific community to steer our nation towards greater progress,”dagdag pa niya.

Sa pamamagitan ng Proclamation 789 na nilagdaan ng Pangulo noong Aug. 2, 2019, kinilala si Javier bilang isa sa mga National Scientist ng bansa.

Kinikilala ng Proclamation 789 ang naging ambag ni Javier sa larangan ng agrikultura sa pamumuno ng Institute of Plant Breeding na nagpakilala sa mga high-yielding crops at disease-resistant varieties sa bansa at sa Asya.

Pahagi ng pahayag ng Pangulo ang naging serbisyo nito “evinces his outstanding contributions to the progress of science and technology in the Philippines and the world”.

Samantala, bagamat buong kagalakan naman na tinanggap ni Javier ang pagkilala, nakararamdam din, aniya, siya ng “some pain and embarrassment” dahil bigo pa rin ang bansa na mapaunlad ang sektor ng agrikultura.

“Clearly, collectively, including myself, we have not done enough to help our farmers and fisherfolk. For far too long, we have not invested enough and allowed agriculture to stagnate,” pahayag nito.

“We can do much better if only we can put our act together,” aniya.

Sinabi rin ni Duterte na nagagalak ang bansa para sa “promising contribution to the scientific community, specifically in tropical agricultural research and crop production” ni Javier.

Partikular na tinukoy ng Pangulo ang naging mga gawa at ambag ni Javier sa agronomy, plant breeding, seed production at management of tropical grasses at marami pang iba.

“Dr. Javier, your dedication to advance the frontiers of science and knowledge for the common good has played a significant role in alleviating poverty,”aniya.

“Moreover, you have promoted sound agricultural policies and programs, massive utilization of climate and environment-friendly agricultural innovations, and improved governance and management systems to help improve the productivity of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk,” dagdag pa ni Duterte.

Umaasa naman ang Pangulo na magiging inspirasyon ng mga Pilipino ang naging gawain ni Javier.

“It is my hope that his success will encourage more Filipino scientists across the nation to carry on with their work and help achieve a sustainable and inclusive future for every Filipino,” aniya.