Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan filed a resolution to honor the six Filipino scientists who have been named by the Asian Scientist Magazine as among the 2026 Asian Scientist 100 honorees.
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 462, filed on June 17, recognized Marcela M. Navasero, Romulo G. Davide, Mary Donnabelle L. Balela, Garry A. Benico, Aurelio A. de los Reyes V, and May Anne E. Mata for bringing “immense pride and prestige” to the country.
“Their dedication to scientific excellence and innovation will inspire future generations of Filipinos to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” the senator said.
In the resolution, the lawmaker highlighted the diverse fields represented by the Filipino honorees, including agricultural science, environmental protection, marine and aquatic biosciences, mathematical sciences, and infectious disease modeling.
Navasero led research on natural pest control and agricultural biosecurity; Davide is hailed as the “Father of Philippine Nematology” for his work in plant pathology and nematology; Balela developed modular kapok booms for marine oil spills; and Benico led studies on taxonomy and diversity of harmful microalgae.
De Los Reyes is being cited for his work on infectious disease modeling and translating biological processes into dynamical systems and equations, while Mata did research in infectious disease modeling and analysis, applied mathematics, mathematical biology, and operations research.
The Asian Scientist 100 recognized top researchers and scientific leaders in the Asia-Pacific region who have advanced scientific knowledge and innovation to protect people and the environment, have received a national or international award from a recognized body, and have made significant scientific discoveries.
“This recognition proves that Filipino ingenuity and talent can compete with the best in the region and the world. It is also a reminder of the need for us to support research and development and strengthen our scientific and academic institutions to create opportunities for Filipinos to contribute to nation-building through science,” Pangilinan said.
The Asian Scientist Magazine published its eighth edition of the Asian Scientist 100. It is an annual list that honors the most outstanding researchers and scientists in the Asia Pacific region.