STS REPORT ACTIVITY- LILIAN FORMALEJO PATEÑA

Summary

In this episode of 'Wreckstop', host Rex Jr. Orano introduces renowned Filipina scientist Lillian Formalejo Patena. Born in Batangas in 1953, Patena excelled academically and graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Sugar Technology. She is celebrated for her pioneering research in plant biotechnology, particularly for her work on micropropagation, tissue culture for garlic, and developing seedless calamansi and pomelo. Patena's innovations, including leaf bud cutting in cassava, have had a profound impact on the agricultural industry, promoting cost-effective plant production and enhancing plant health and sustainability.

Takeaways

• 👩‍🔬 Lillian F. Patena is a renowned Filipina scientist recognized for her contributions to plant biotechnology.
• 🏅 She received several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service in 1998, Women of Distinction for Science and Technology in 1995, and Outstanding Young Scientist in 1990.
• 🌿 Patena's major scientific contributions include research on plant tissue culture, especially for garlic production.
• 🍋 She discovered breeds of seedless calamansi and pomelo, contributing significantly to the Philippine agricultural industry.
• 🧪 Her work in micropropagation led to the development of healthier, disease-resistant plants, benefiting farmers and enhancing crop production.
• 🍌 Lillian Patena’s micropropagation research greatly impacted the banana industry, facilitating faster and healthier plant growth.
• 🌱 She is also credited with inventing the leaf bud cutting method for cassava cultivation, improving its propagation techniques.
• 📚 Patena's academic background is impressive, having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sugar Technology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, finishing third out of 233 graduates.
• 🔬 Micropropagation techniques developed by Patena help with germplasm storage and protect endangered plant species.
• 🌿 Patena is admired for her love of plants and nature, earning a reputation as a 'plantita,' or nature lover, in Filipino culture.

Q & A

Who is the scientist being discussed in the video?

The scientist being discussed is Lillian Formalejo Patena, a famous Filipina scientist known for her contributions to plant biotechnology.

What are some of the awards that Lillian Patena received?

Lillian Patena was recognized as one of the Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service in 1998, Women of Distinction for Science and Technology in 1995, and an Outstanding Young Scientist in 1990.

Where and when was Lillian Patena born?

Lillian Patena was born on September 16, 1953, in Batangas, Philippines.

What were some of Lillian Patena's early academic achievements?

Lillian Patena was valedictorian in both her elementary school, IBA Central School in 1960, and high school, St. Louis James Academy in 1970.

What degree did Lillian Patena earn, and from which institution?

Lillian Patena earned a Bachelor of Science in Sugar Technology from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños.

What significant scientific contributions did Lillian Patena make in the field of plant biotechnology?

Lillian Patena is known for developing tissue culture for garlic production, discovering seedless breeds of lime and grapefruit, and advancing micropropagation, which helped strengthen the banana industry in the Philippines.

What is micropropagation, and why is it important?

Micropropagation is a technique used to propagate large numbers of plants in a short time, leading to healthier plantlets with better disease resistance. It is cost-effective and useful for storing germplasm and protecting endangered species.

What is the significance of Lillian Patena's invention of leaf bud cutting in cassava cultivation?

Leaf bud cutting is a technique used in plant propagation. It involves delicate handling to successfully root plants, allowing for efficient propagation of plants like cassava.

How do Lillian Patena's scientific works benefit farmers and society?

Her work in micropropagation and leaf bud cutting provides farmers with tools to produce plants more efficiently and cost-effectively, improving plant growth, storage, and disease resistance.

How does the speaker describe Lillian Patena's personality?

The speaker describes Lillian Patena as a nature lover and a smart, dedicated Filipino scientist who is passionate about plants and nature.