A leading expert in plant genetics, agronomy, seed production, and the management of tropical grasses and legumes, Dr. Emil Q. Javier has made significant advancements in tropical agriculture. His work has helped improve food security and production not only in the Philippines, but in other countries as well.
Born on September 11, 1940, Dr. Javier began his agricultural studies at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where he graduated cum laude. He obtained a master’s degree in Agronomy from the University of Illinois in 1964 and a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from Cornell University five years later.
Researcher, innovator, leader
Throughout his decades-long scientific career, Dr. Javier developed cultivars of various essential crops with traits that address the critical factors that affect their yield. These include more resilient abaca with higher-quality fiber, disease-resistant coconuts, weather-resistant sorghum with increased yield, maize with higher tolerance to environmental stresses, and higher-yield rice. In addition, Dr. Javier devised techniques and inventions to improve soil fertility, grazing productivity, and integrated crop-livestock farming systems.
Dr. Javier’s contributions to Philippine science go beyond research and innovation. He also held important positions in institutions that promote the development of science and technology, particularly agriculture, in the country.
In 1970, Dr. Javier co-founded the Crop Science Society of the Philippines, along with Academician Dr. Ruben L. Villareal and fellow future National Scientists Dr. Ricardo M. Lantican and Dr. Dolores A. Ramirez. 1975 saw the establishment of the University of the Philippines Los Baños Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB) by Dr. Javier; the institution contributed significantly to the popularization of high-yield, disease-resistant crops across Asia.
From 1981 to 1986, Dr. Javier served as the Philippines’ Minister of Science. Under his leadership, the National Science Development Board (NSDB) was reorganized into the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA), the precursor to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Dr. Javier also kickstarted the establishment of the Scientific Career System, as well as the four-member S&T sectoral council systems (with separate councils for health R&D and industry and energy R&D). Dr. Javier also became the 17th president of the University of the Philippines (UP) system from 1993 to 1999, during which the UP Open University, UP Mindanao, the National Institutes of Biotechnology, and the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod were established.
In 1982, Dr. Javier became an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST PHL), and in 2005, he began a seven-year term as its president. Lastly, Dr. Javier holds the key distinction of being the sole Filipino chair of the Technical Advisory Committee on the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
A decorated scientist
Dr. Javier’s work has earned him many awards, such as the Rizal Pro Patria Award for Service in Agriculture (1975), Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines (1975), The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award for Science and Technology (2002), and the Madhuri and Jagdish N. Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement (2005). Most notably, in 2019, Dr. Javier was conferred the Order of National Scientist, the highest honor granted to citizens of the Philippines for contributions to science and technology.
One thing that has defined Dr. Javier’s scientific career is his expertise in developing practical, affordable, and sustainable strategies for crop development. Undeniably, this National Scientist’s legacy is founded on innovative research, leadership, and a dedication to enhancing the agriculture industry.—Sarah Yutuc & Mikael Angelo Francisco
References
- https://www.members.nast.ph/index.php/list-of-national-scientist/details/3/51
- https://www.asianscientist.com/scientist/emil-q-javier/
- https://spheres.dost.gov.ph/profiles/683-emil-q-javier
- https://nast.dost.gov.ph/index.php/13-news-press-releases/475-malacanang-confers-the-order-of-national-scientist-on-dr-emil-q-javier
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTU07WJo_6g
- https://www.dost.gov.ph/transparency/about-dost/history-and-logo.html
