CASAUAY, Ashley STS 1 D2: 3A Written Report

KHATRI, Esha Assigned Division: Social Sciences

LACSON, Jhayance
RICAFORT, Joseph Emmanuel
VILLAFUERTE, Jessemy
YU, Joylyn

NATIONAL SCIENTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

1. Castillo, Gelia T., Ph.D.

Area of Study: Rural Sociology
Born: March 3, 1928
Died: August 5, 2017 (Age 89)
Year conferred: 1999

Dr. Castillo was recognized for her outstanding

contributions in agricultural social sciences, which resulted in a
body of knowledge dedicated to the Philippine rural society.
This knowledge has enabled the Filipino people to better
understand the social conditions and dynamics of agricultural
and rural development. Her research focused mainly on:

1. The Filipino Family

2. Farmer’s preferences (practices they can accept and
are ready to use)
3. The Filipino woman (Her role in the family and in
society as well as the Green Revolution)

This research and other published works were analyzed,

reviewed and synthesized to produce what is now considered as
some of the most standard references in rural Philippines Sociology. Namely, these are: All in a
Grain of Rice, Beyond Manila: Philippine Rural Problems in Perspective, and How Participatory
is Participatory Development?

Her Awards
1. Jose Rizal Pro Patria from the Philippine Government (1966)
2. Ten Outstanding Women in the Philippines from the Federacion International de Damas
Abogadas (1968);
3. honorary doctorates:
a. Doctor of Science from the Agricultural University, Wageningen, Netherlands,
Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University
b. national social scientist, Philippine Social Science Research Council (1993)
c. Research Award from Ford Foundation.

Dr. Castillo was elected to the NAST PHL as an academician in 1963 and was then
conferred the highest honor and rank of a National Scientist in 1999.
 2. Concepcion, Mercedes B., Ph.D.
Area of Study: Demography
Born: June 10, 1928
Year Conferred: 2010

Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion was a BS Chemistry

graduate in the University of the Philippines of the year 1951.
She took her Master’s degree of Statistics in the University of
Sydney, Australia, and eventually finished her Ph.D in
Sociology at the University of Chicago, USA in the year 1963
(National Academy of Science and Technology, n.d.). Her
expertise focuses on chemistry, statistics, sociology, population
research, and demographic processes. Her work on population
and the efforts in improving the health and welfare of the
individuals were recognized (STII: SPHERES, n.d.).

A few of her many notable honors and awards are the

following (National Academy of Science and Technology, n.d.):

1. Achievement Award for Demography (1982) - National Research Council of the

Philippines
2. Academician (1992) - National Academy of Science and Technology
3. Gawad ng Pagkilala (1993) - Philippine Sociological Society
4. Recognition Award (1997) - National Statistical Coordination Board
5. Appointed Commissioner (1998) - Commission on Population
6. Appointed Commissioner (2001) - Commission on Population Board of Commissioners
7. Proclaimed as National Scientist (2010) - President of the Republic of the Philippines

Among the 18 research papers she published, she was able to present 3 in different regional
and international congresses, and conferences (STII: SPHERES, n.d.)

COMMONALITIES AND UNIQUE DIFFERENCE

Considering the field of study to be social sciences, it is no surprise that both Dr. Gelia T.
Castillo and Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion were heavily immersed in the culture and lives of people,
especially family dynamics. However, their specific research topics were not always similar. Dr.
Castillo was more involved with agricultural social science and various social and political factors
that affect rural development, while Dr. Concepcion immersed herself in analyzing population
statistics and its implications towards societies inside and outside the Philippines.
 VIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS

Honestly, we were really surprised that there is the term “National Scientist” and we don’t
have an idea of how scientists were considered having that recognition. Being a scientist is not an
easy thing especially if you were a National scientist. It takes a lot of hardwork, determination,
and motivation. Also, it has a big responsibility. We felt like it was a really inspiring thing that
these people took charge of matters that would benefit our country in such a significant and long-
lasting way. However, it is so heart-breaking that these people were not recognized much. They
embodied the selflessness and nationhood that we Filipinos always talk about fostering in the
country. They dedicated their lives to making ours better and it makes us want to do more than
what we were doing now. These National scientists deserve more.

REFERENCES:

Bote, L. A. (2019, August 22). Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion: The Filipina dubbed as the 'Mother
of Asian Demography'. Retrieved from https://www.flipscience.ph/news/features-
news/features/national-scientist-mercedes-concepcion/
GOVPH. (n.d.). GELIA T. CASTILLO: DISTINGUISHED RURAL SOCIOLOGIST, 89.
Retrieved from https://nast.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/319-gelia-t-castillo-
distinguished-rural-sociologist-89
National Academy of Science and Technology. (n.d.). National Scientist. Retrieved from
https://nast.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/319-gelia-t-castillo-distinguished-rural-
sociologist-89
National Academy of Science and Technology. (n.d.). National Scientist. Retrieved from
https://members.nast.ph/index.php/list-of-national-scientist/details/3/10#honors-and-
awards-received
STII: SPHERES. (n.d.). Mercedes B. Concepcion. Retrieved from http://spheres.dost.gov.ph/sci-
profile.php?i=000007
ARDIENTE, Francine Gilliane STS 1 D2: 3B Written Report
GENATO, Christine Dianne Assigned Division: Social Sciences
MAGPANTAY, Walter
RODAVIA, Ian Jerome
SEGISMUNDO, Nicole

NATIONAL SCIENTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

1. Encarnacion, Jose Jr.,

Area of Study: Economics
Born: November 17, 1928
Died: July 5, 1998 (Age 69)
Year Conferred: 1987

José Encarnación, Jr. was a professor of economics at the

University of the Philippines. He served as dean of the School of
Economics from 1974 until his retirement in 1994. Dr.
Encarnación took his PhB, MA in Philosophy at the University of
the Philippines and PhD in Economics at Princeton University.
He was the first Filipino to publish in an economics journal of
international standing; his contributions to economic theory have
appeared in major journals in England and the United States.

It was in 1965 when the School of Economics was

founded as an independent academic unit. The long leadership of
Dr. Jose Encarnacion, Jr. as its second dean, from the mid-70s to
the early 90s was considered as the continuation of the golden
years of the school right after its first dean, Dr. Amado A. Castro.
Few units of the university have had significant early success.
Many of its faculty and graduates have been active in government, in research institutions, in the
private sector, in private and public corporations, and in international development institutions.
(Sicat, 2015).

His work as a professor and as dean of the U.P. School of Economics has been significant
in making this institution a regional as well as a national resource, bringing recognition from
abroad as shown by biographical listings in "Men of Achievement" (12th ed.), "Who's Who in the
World" (8th ed.), and "International Director of Distinguished Leadership" (Ist ed.). Moreover, Dr.
Encarnación received other achievements and awards through his term (Spheres, 2016). The
awards are the following:

• Conferred National Scientist, NAST, 1987

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, , 1955
• Fulbright Travel Grant, , 1956
• Fellow, University of the Philippines, 1956-1958
• Honorary University Fellow, Princeton University, 1957
• Doctoral Dissertation Fellow, Ford Foundation, 1958
 • TOYM Award, Junior Chamber of the Philippines, 1963
• Rockefeller Foundation Grant, , 1965
• Distinguished Scholar Award, University of the Philippines , 1968
• Miguel Cuaderno Chair in Political Economy, University of the Philippines, 1969
• Elected Academician, National Academy of Science and Technology, 1979
• Outstanding Fulbrighter Award, Philippine Fullbright Scholars Association, 1968
• Marqui's Who's Who, 1986
• Visiting Scholar, Institute for Mathematical Studies, Stanford University, 1965 – 1966

Besides the numerous awards and journals he garnered and published, Dr. Encarnación
was also known as a founding member and former president of the Philippine Economic Society,
as well as a recipient of the Distinguished Scholar award from the University of the Philippines.

In 1987, the National Scientist title was bestowed upon him. For his contributions to the
scientific community, he was granted the highest recognition of scientific achievement given by
the Republic of the Philippines. In 2008, the main building of the School of Economics at the
University of the Philippines Diliman was renamed Encarnación Hall in his honor.

2. Lagmay, Alfredo V.
Area of Study: Psychology
Born: August 14, 1919
Died: December 15, 2005 (Age 86)
Year Conferred: 1993

Alfredo Villagracia Lagmay grew up in Intramuros, where

he and his family had lived in extreme poverty. He originally
wanted to study medicine but lacked the resources to pursue a
medical degree. As a result, he instead enrolled in the University
of the Philippine's psychology program; He later shifted to the
philosophy course. Dr. Lagmay, being the eldest in a family in
poverty, saw to it to support himself throughout college. He
worked in different offices in the University as he studied and
eventually graduated cum laude in 1947 with a Bachelor of
Philosophy degree. He got appointed as an instructor at the
University of the Philippines Diliman in the same year and took up
his Masters' degree in Philosophy while teaching.

In 1950, Dr. Lagmay proceeded to take up advanced

studies in psychology under a UP Fellowship grant at Harvard
University. Due to this, he obtained his Masters' degree in absentia (1951). He went on to pursue
a doctorate in Experimental Psychology and finished in 1955. Upon his return, he resumed his post
as an assistant professor of Psychology at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

His achievements are as follows:

• 1955-1977: Chair of Department of Psychology in University of the Philippines

• 1962: Founded the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP)
 • 1973: Chairman of the Philippine Social Science Council
• 1993: Awarded as a National Scientist of the Philippines, the highest award given by the
Philippine Government to a distinguished achiever in the physical and social sciences

Aside from the aforementioned, Dr. Lagmay also had numerous researches on
experimental analysis of behavior modification, relaxation and related states, and hypnosis. His
works greatly influenced the development of scientific psychology in the Philippines. He was a
member of prestigious learned societies in the Philippines and abroad including the International
Council of Psychologists, American Psychological Association, and the International Association
of Applied Psychology. He was recognized for his numerous contributions to the Philippine
scientific community, and was honored in the University of the Philippines Diliman, his alma
mater. In May 4, 2015, the university renamed Palma Hall Annex (home to the UP Department of
Psychology) as A.V. Lagmay Hall in honor of Dr. Alfredo V. Lagmay. They unveiled a bust of
Dr. Lagmay, a landmark and wall inscription with the name of the new hall, along with an exhibit
of Lagmay’s memorabilia.

COMMONALITIES & DIFFERENCES

The select National Scientists discussed in this report are similar in ways others might not
anticipate. One glaring similarity is their position in the list of National Scientists under the Social
Sciences division. What is interesting, however, are the similarities in both their journeys to
securing their identity as principal contributors to the Philippines’ scientific field. Both Jose
Encarnación Jr. and Alfredo V. Lagmay pursued their masteral studies at the University of the
Philippines Diliman. Dr. Lagmay obtained his Masters’ degree in philosophy in the year 1951,
with Dr. Encarnación following suit three years after (1954). After graduating, both went on to
different Ivy League universities to take up a doctorate degree. Dr. Lagmay studied under the
mentorship of B.F. Skinner and received his PhD in psychology from Harvard University. Dr.
Encarnación became an advisee of William J. Baumol, soon receiving his PhD in economics from
Princeton University. The two are also known as Professor Emeriti, taking high administrative
positions in their respective departments at the University of the Philippines Diliman. In fact, the
University has honored the two academicians by dedicating two separate halls in their name.

As many as their commonalities are, Dr. Encarnación and Dr. Lagmay are acknowledged
as National Scientists for two different areas. Dr. Encarnación’s contributions to the scientific
community center around advancing the theory of lexicographic preferences. His endowment to
economic theory serves as his legacy, with publications appearing in international journals such as
those in England and the United States. Dr. Lagmay, on the other hand, greatly influenced the
development of psychology in the Philippines. He is known for introducing behavioral studies in
psychology, as well as publishing numerous researches on areas related to the former. These
contributions allowed for the two to be conferred the National Scientist Award, deservingly.

VIEWS & IMPRESSIONS

Upon being educated on the background of both Dr. Encarnacion and Dr. Lagmay, one
could have an understanding of their influence on the Philippines’ scientific community. Being
involved in a multitude of associations, even acting as head of their respective groups (Philippine
Economic Society (PES) & Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP)), it would be a no
brainer to say that they have done a lot for the furtherance of the scientific field of our country.
The group has a shared fascination for their seemingly never-ending passion to contribute to the
field of Social Sciences, in their area of concern. Dr. Encarnacion definitely succeeded in enriching
the literature surrounding the economics discipline, not only providing a new perspective on
existing studies, but also allowing others the chance to further educate themselves through access
to his numerous publications. The fact that he is acknowledged as the first Filipino to publish in
an economic journal of an international standing inspires us immensely. The group respects Dr.
Lagmay’s desire to assuage pain in his interest to pursue medical studies. We believe that despite
his inability to pursue the former due to personal struggles, he has succeeded in finding ways to
heal and relieve pain and suffering by contributing greatly to the study of psychology.

After learning about two inspiring figures in the world of science, we are motivated to
perform even better on our studies so that we may offer significant contributions in our field of
choice when the time comes. This knowledge also gives us the agency to support the individuals
presently working towards the betterment of the scientific field in the Philippines. It is to our
knowledge that the concerned field is not receiving the support that it needs to fully utilize its
resources towards advancement. We hope to take the information that we have learned in the
process of creating this report, and to educate others on the issue at hand that they may come to
the same realizations as well.

REFERENCES:

Jose Encarnacion (2018, September 11). Specialized Enterprise Reference of Experts and
Scientists. Retrieved from: http://spheres.dost.gov.ph/sci-profile.php?i=000363
Lagmay, A. V. . (2014, September 24). Alfredo Lagmay. Retrieved from
https://philsocsci1968.wordpress.com/pioneers/alfredo-lagmay/
Lagmay, A. V. . (2015, August 14). Alfredo Lagmay. Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/banner-artwork/alfredo-v-lagmay/
Lagmay, A. V. (2015). In V. Almario (Ed.), Sagisag Kultura (Vol 1). Manila: National
Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from
https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/lagmay-alfredo-v/
Lando, R. (2019, August 14). Alfredo V. Lagmay Biography, Contributions - PeoPlaid Profile.
Retrieved from https://peoplaid.com/2019/05/04/alfredo-v-lagmay/
Official Gazette. (n.d.) List of National Scientists of the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/lists/national-scientists-of-the-philippines/
Sicat, G. (2015). Crossroads (Toward Philippine Economic and Social Progress). Retrieved from
http://www.fef.org.ph/gerardo-sicat/up-school-of-economics-at-50-the-gps-awards
Sicat, G. (2015). The UP School Of Economics And Its Early Years. Retrieved from
https://pids.gov.ph/pids-in-the-news/1998
Spheres. (2016). Jose Encarnacion. Retrieved from http://spheres.dost.gov.ph/sci-
profile.php?i=000363