Loren commends four balik-Pinoy scientists

MANILA, Sept. 18 (PNA) -- Senator Loren Legarda yesterday commended three US-based Filipino scientists for their invaluable contributions to the Philippines' quest to address the serious threat of climate change in the country.

In her Senate resolution no. 643, Legarda said Drs. Jose Comiso, Dr. Lino Blanche, Guillermo Mendoza, and Terry Sarigumba deserve commendation for their willingness to share their expertise with the public and private institutions involved in the country's effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

"Because global change is threatening to cause unprecedented global warming as well as unprecedented elevations in sea levels, we are lucky to have these returning scientists in our midst to help us in our endeavor," she said.

"The State recognizes the expertise of the expatriate Filipino scientists and technologies which are vital component of the nation's political, economic and social efforts in preserving the county's natural resources," Legarda added.

Comiso, Blanche, Mendoza and Sarigumba are all based in the United States who are in town under the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Balik Scientist Program.

The program is aimed at encouraging foreign-based Filipino scientists, professionals, technicians and person with special skills or expertise to share their technical know-how for the Philippines, which is one of the potential victims of climate change for being on the "hot" spot.

"The four scientists have expressed their wish to assist the Philippines' initiative to address gaps in technological resources for research and application through direct participation and/or facilitation of the projects as they have access certain sources," Legarda said.

Dr. Comiso has gained valuable expertise in the field of environmental protection through his constant access with the NASA, while Blanche has been with the USDA.

The four noted Filipino scientists readily presented their expertise in their respective fields during the round table discussion on natural resources and climate change organized by University of the Philippines-Los Banos and attended by people from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and two resident scientists - Drs. Rex Cruz and Felino Lansigan, who exchanged information on the status of Filpino research and government policies in climate change.

Blanche presented an overview of the biofuels industry, focusing on ethanol and biodiesel production technologies and possible areas of cooperation with Filipino researchers and producers.

Dr. Sarigumba discussed carbon management while Dr. Gil Mendoza delved on the value and valuation of forests ecosystem services and the global city greening movement.

Legarda, who is also the Chair of the Senate Sub-Committee on Climate Change, has been batting for a concerted effort to prepare the country for the ill effects of the ever-changing climate by advocating for the planting of two billion trees.