Wisdom of the Nation

When we chase the unknown, an innovation unfolds—journalists, experts, and scientists hold powerful hands to write, to innovate, to give knowledge, and to discover. Filipino scientists light the paths to creation and to discovery; the Order of National Scientists of the Philippines (ONS) is the highest award for Filipino scientists, signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on December 16, 1976. Since 1976, the Philippines has had 44 national scientists.

They dreamed, they were curious, and they had stories behind discoveries—from alternative fuels, herbal plants, detection of insects, ophthalmology, and psychology to more inventions; there was no privilege, there were no connections; they only had determination. A story unfolds, and an exploration uncovers.

“I feel that if you give the world the best that you can, the best will come back to you.”

Fe Villanueva del Mundo, a pediatrician, founded the first-ever pediatric hospital in the Philippines, The Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center (Children's Medical Center). And in 1980, she was the first woman to be awarded the title "National Scientist of the Philippines."

By Fe del Mundo Medical Center - Original publication: Information unavailableImmediate source: https://www.fedelmundo.com.ph/history-legacy, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56970908

A Filipino engineer, a physicist, and a national scientist—Gregorio Ynciong Zara. Ring, ring; he invented videophones, and he was also an aeronautical engineer who invented an airplane engine that could run on plain alcohol as fuel. He also discovered the physical law of electrical kinetic resistance called the Zara Effect.

By National Academy of Science and Technology - https://members.nast.ph/index.php/list-of-national-scientist/details/3/42, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146155574

Edgardo Dizon Gomez led the world’s first national-scale assessment, and he also gave the idea to replant damaged coral reefs. The Philippines is the home for scientists, from pioneers to experts—stories, discoveries, and innovations; they didn’t have privilege; they made privilege.

By DOST Regional Office VII - Department of Science & Technology Region VII Official Website, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84584576

They climbed the ladders and reached the stars; soared high and went after their dreams. They fueled the fire of innovations, learned by heart, and gave light to the hearts of those who made them their inspiration.

This is where curiosity meets discovery.