Marcela M. Navasero, a scientist from the National Crop Protection Center, was honored with the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award,  the highest award bestowed by the Philippine government on civil servants who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and public service.

Navasero is known for her expertise in the detection and control of invasive pests such as onion armyworm, fall armyworm, and coconut leaf beetle. She developed cost-effective and easy-to-adopt techniques to mass-produce natural enemies used in the biological control of plant pests and diseases and is known for her expertise in integrated pest management and pest biology.

The award recognized Navasero for sharing her scientific expertise in natural pest control and thus safeguarding the agricultural sector of the Philippines. She was credited for being instrumental in the rapid assessment and monitoring of new and emerging pests, managing pest outbreaks, and discovering natural enemies of pests for the coconut, sugarcane, corn, and rice industries.

Her research and fieldwork in institutionalizing long-term and cost-effective pest management measures helped mitigate pest threats in these industries. Her initiative significantly enhanced the country’s readiness and capacity to manage threats posed by pests, ultimately safeguarding agricultural productivity and food security.

Navasero is a Career Scientist II under the Scientific Career System (SCS) of the Department of Science and Technology-Civil Service Commission. The SCS is a system of recruitment, career progression, and recognition that rewards scientists in government service in order to develop a pool of highly qualified and productive scientific personnel.

The award was presented to Navasero at the 2024 Awards Rites for Outstanding Government Workers held on September 18, 2024, at Malacañan Palace. The event, led by CSC, recognized Navasero’s exemplary contributions to agricultural science, particularly in pest management and crop protection, significantly impacting the country’s agricultural productivity.

The ceremony was graced by top officials including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who personally handed the award to Navasero, praising her commitment to public service and her contribution to national development.

This recognition is part of the annual celebration of the Outstanding Government Workers Awards, which highlights the remarkable achievements of individuals in the public sector who have gone above and beyond in their service to the Filipino people. (Juan Paolo A. Aquino)