PERSONALITIES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES Chemistry Most developments in the field of chemistry in the Philippines are anchored on the desire to expand the literature of chemistry as a scientific field. Many Filipino scientists have contributed to this field, recognizing the need to provide solutions to some of 124Chapter 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building the problems faced by Filipinos, particularly regarding nutrition and medicine. pr. Alfredo C. Santos, a renowned Filipino chemist, researched on the medicinal properties of chemicals found in indigenous plants. One of his primary discoveries was the isolation of many plant-based alkaloids such as phaeanthine and phaentharine. His efforts led him to pioneer phytochemistry, the study of plant- in the Philippines. He was conferred the title derived chemicals of National Scientist in 1973, Dr. Julian A. Banzon is a biochemist most noted for his work on renewable sources of chemicals and fuels from indigenous products. He was the first to document the derivation of ethyl esters from coconut and sugarcane as alternative fuel sources. In addition, he developed a chemical process for extracting coconut oil, which earned him recognition from the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources (DENR). He was conferred the title of National Scientist in 1986. Dr, Luz Oliveros-Belardo is a pharmaceutical chemist who specializes in the field of phytochemistry. Her research focused on discovering essential oils found in native plants that led her to extract 33 different oils from various plants. Her discovery of these essential oils is valuable today in producing medicine, fragrances, food flavoring, and even alternative fuel sources. She was conferred the title of National Scientist in 1987. Dr. Solita Camara-Besa is knownas the first Filipina biochemist. She focused her research on understanding the Filipino diet and nutrition patterns, Her research focused on the potassium and Sodium contents of various Filipino foods to formulate healthy 3sUnit 1: General Concepts and Historical Developments dietary standards, which are still being used by many food manufacturing industries in the country. Dr. Amando Kapauan delved into multiple fields such as chemistry and technology. In the 1970s, he and his colleagues initiated investigations to analyze the presence of heavy metals in the environment. He was one of the first to look into the dangers of exposure to mercury. He also designed the equipment that can analyze mercury content in water, fish, soil, and other areas where it may cause harm. Biology The Philippines has many agricultural and marine resources. As such, developing sustainable means of using these resources is essential so as not to bring harm to the environment. For decades now, Filipino biologists have been making a wealth of breakthroughs in this field. Dr. Angel C. Alcala, a prominent biologist, is an authority in the fields of ecology and biogeography. He is known for discovering 50 species of reptiles and amphibians on top of the 400 known species. He is also noted for having over 30 years of experience in tropical marine resource conservation as well as preserving coral reefs and creating artificial ones. Alcala is credited for the creation of the country’s first artificial reef that became the model for the creation of similar reefs around the world. He also helped defend Negros’ last surviving patch of virgin rainforest and evict seaweed producers from Tubbataha Reef, the country’s first national marine park. For his efforts, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service and the 1999 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. 16Chapter 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building pr. Asuncion K. Raymundo is a biologist who focuses on microbial genetics and biotechnology. She is one of the country’s Jeaders in microbial genetics and has largely contributed to how science is taught in Philippine schools. She is known for conducting numerous research projects and studies, as well as instituting various courses related to biology and mentoring over ahundred undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. she has been awarded by numerous organizations and institutions such as the Outstanding Microbiologist Award by the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Republica Award by the Commission on Higher Education, and many more. Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera is best known for his discovery ofa snail toxin that can be used as a painkiller for patients who have become tolerant to morphine. He found the toxin in the fish- hunting cone (conus) snail that uses a needle-like structure that injects 100 different compounds in the fish it preys, Olivera and his team studied the neurotoxic venom by the snails. Aside from this discovery, he and his team also gained a better understanding of how ion channels work and explained key molecular mechanisms that mediate signaling different nervous system functions. Olivera was selected as the 2007 Scientist of the Year by Harvard Foundation. Dr. Abelardo Aguilar is abiologist who discovered erythromycin that is currently used as an antibiotic for patients allergic to penicillin. He discovered the bacteria while testing microorganisms that he isolated from soil samples in his backyard. Although he was credited for the discovery of the drug, it was patented and mass manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company under the brand name Iosone. wrUnit 1: General Concepts and Historical Developments P Engineering Engineering plays a big role in S&T because it applies ney de J solutions to achieve further social _aystoms, processes, ane The inventions and developments ind ceonomie development vers have helped Philip] tional recognition. made by Pilipino engine pine communities and carned them local and interna ny was the mechanical engineer from design of the Moon Buggy or Lunar auts during the Dr. Eduardo San Ju NASA who conceptualized the oil Armstrong, and other astron: Rover used by N Lore the moon in 1969. Dr. Diosdado Banatao is re; irded asa Silicon Valley visionary Jopment of key semiconductor Apollo landing to exp! for his involvement in the deve 25, He is best known for improving, by introducing the single-chip graphical user d develop the Ethernet technologi¢ the speed at which computers work interface accelerator. He also helpe controller chip that made the internet possible, Moreover, Banatao conceptualized and pioneered the use of pe local bus in 1989. It was followed by the development tly used by Intel. rsonal computers through the of the first Windows accelerator chips curren! Dr. Arturo Pineda Alcaraz was a prominent volcanologist in the Philippines who pioneered the development of geothermal energy in the Philippines, He is noted as the country's “rather of Geothermal Energy Development,” being the country’ first prominent expert in the field of geothermal energy and mining, He was the head of the Commission of Volcanology, now the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) from 1951 to 1974. with the guidance of Alcaraz, the first local geothermal power plant was opened in Tongonan, Leyte on July 3, 1977. During this 18Chapter 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building time, the Philippines was suffering from the effects of the 1973 oil crisis, where oi] prices skyrocketed to quadruple their original with the work of Alcaraz, the Philippines was able to gain price. from fossil fuel, as well as open a greater energy independence new industry for the country.