MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named two new national scientists in recognition of their immense contributions in the fields of genetics, nematology, and plant pathology. President Marcos issued Proclamations 642 and 643 on Aug. 2, declaring Carmencita David Padilla, MD, MAHPS, and Romulo Gelbolingo Davide, Ph.D. as national scientists, respectively, upon the recommendation of the Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum and the National Academy of Science and Technology. Both proclamations were signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and were made available to the media onThursday. Padilla was recognized for her work in the field of genetics that greatly contributed to the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 9288, or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004, and RA 10747, or the Rare Diseases Act of the Philippines. Those legislations aim to prevent mental retardation and death from certain congenital disorders detectable at birth. Meanwhile, Davide was known for his work in the field of nematology and plant pathology which resulted in the development of a biological control agent against nematodes, which provided Filipino farmers with an alternative to chemical nematicides. Through the Presidential issuances, the two experts will be accorded the rank and title of national scientist with the privileges and emoluments extended through current laws. The rank and title of national scientist was created under Presidential Decree (PD) 1003-A issued Dec. 16,1976 by the President's father and namesake, the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. The award is the highest title conferred by the Philippine president on a Filipino with outstanding achievements in science and technology. Source : Philippines News agency