Chemist and Biotechnologist, Among the Conferred Members of the Philippine S&T Academy

The Philippine National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) recently conferred the title of Academician to Dr. Ernesto J. Del Rosario, a distinguished scientist known for his research contributions to physical chemistry and industrial biotechnology. Dr. Del Rosario is one of the country's leading experts in biofuels and recognized through his novel research and development work on bioethanol fermentation processes using saccharine and starch substrates, as well agricultural wastes. Further, he studied the preparation, application and production of important enzymes such as alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, cellulose and xylanase needed for bioethanol production. Notably, he holds two patents for his inventions on low cost fermentation process and the purification and stabilization of alpha-amylase.

Other newly-conferred NAST Academicians were Dr. Aura Matias of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) for her contributions in the field of industrial engineering, and Dr. Agnes Rola of the UP Los Baños (UPLB), for her body of work devoted to agricultural economics and sustainable community development. Dr. Eduardo Mendoza who is based in Germany was conferred the title ‘Corresponding Member' for his outstanding scientific achievements in mathematics and systems biology.

The conferment was made during the culminating ceremonies of the 33^rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the NAST, the country's highest advisory and recognition body on science and technology, held at the Manila Hotel on 14 July 2011. The latest scientific meeting focused on the challenges of agricultural productivity, competitiveness and sustainability.

For more updates on biotechnology in the Philippines, e-mail bic@agri.searca.org or visit the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center website, http://www.bic.searca.org/.