Dr. Emil Javier

Summary

Emil Xavier, a distinguished figure in agricultural science and biotechnology, reflects on his 40-year career in the Philippines and abroad. From founding the Institute of Plant Breeding to advocating for the establishment of the National Institute of Biotechnology, Xavier has been at the forefront of integrating biotechnology into agriculture. He emphasizes the importance of biotechnology as a tool for solving complex agricultural challenges and stresses the need for continuous education, innovation, and local leadership to ensure the Philippines remains competitive in global agricultural advancements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emil Xavier is a seasoned agricultural expert with over 40 years of experience in the Philippines and abroad.
• 😀 He has held significant positions including founding director of the Institute of Plant Breeding, Chancellor of UPLB, and Minister for Science during the Marcos administration.
• 😀 Xavier also served as Director General of the Asian Vegetable Center in Taiwan, Senior Research Fellow in The Hague, and Chair of the Science Council for CGIAR.
• 😀 He started his graduate studies in agronomy at the University of Illinois in 1962, during a pivotal time for the discovery of DNA's structure and function.
• 😀 Xavier foresaw the importance of biotechnology for agriculture and, in 1975, incorporated it into the Institute of Plant Breeding by hiring experts in biochemistry, tissue culture, and biology.
• 😀 In 1980-1981, he convinced President Marcos to establish the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Philippines, significantly advancing the country's research capacity.
• 😀 Xavier emphasizes biotechnology as a powerful tool in plant breeding, helping address challenges that conventional methods cannot solve.
• 😀 He stresses that biotechnology is continually evolving, requiring ongoing investment in training, resources, and institutional strengthening.
• 😀 Biotechnology is presented as a vital tool for agricultural development, and the Philippines must embrace it to avoid falling behind globally.
• 😀 Xavier reassures stakeholders, including politicians and business leaders, that local expertise can ensure the safe development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Q & A

What is Emil Xavier's background and expertise?

Emil Xavier has a background in agriculture, specifically in agronomy and plant breeding. He has over 40 years of experience in the field, working both in the Philippines and internationally. He has held key leadership roles in agricultural research institutes, including founding the Institute of Plant Breeding and the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Philippines.

How did Emil Xavier contribute to the advancement of biotechnology in agriculture?

Emil Xavier was instrumental in introducing biotechnology into agricultural research in the Philippines. In 1975, he established the Institute of Plant Breeding, integrating biotechnological approaches into plant breeding. Later, as Minister of Science, he convinced President Marcos to create the National Institute of Biotechnology, which became a major investment in scientific research and infrastructure.

What role did Emil Xavier play in international agricultural research organizations?

Emil Xavier held several international positions, including serving as the Director-General of the Asian Vegetable Center in Taiwan, a Senior Research Fellow in The Hague, and the Chair of the Science Council for CGIAR, a global partnership for agricultural research under the FAO.

How did Emil Xavier's early education shape his career?

Xavier's graduate studies in agronomy at the University of Illinois in 1962 exposed him to emerging research in DNA structure and function. He intuitively understood the importance of this new biological knowledge for the future of agriculture, especially in plant breeding and biotechnology, which influenced his subsequent work.

What was the significance of the Presidential Decree in 1975 in Emil Xavier's career?

In 1975, the Presidential Decree established the Institute of Plant Breeding in the Philippines, which Emil Xavier led. The decree facilitated the creation of a research center that integrated traditional agricultural science with emerging biotechnological tools, preparing the country for advancements in biotechnology.

What is Emil Xavier's view on biotechnology as a tool in agriculture?

Xavier views biotechnology as an important tool that complements traditional agricultural methods. While conventional breeding has limitations, biotechnology offers new opportunities to address complex agricultural challenges, particularly in plant and animal breeding, that conventional methods could not achieve.

Why does Emil Xavier emphasize the need for continual training in biotechnology?

Xavier stresses the importance of continuous training in biotechnology because the field is rapidly evolving. New techniques and methodologies are constantly emerging, and to stay competitive and effective, researchers and institutions must continually adapt and build expertise in these advancements.

How did Emil Xavier advocate for biotechnology to politicians and business leaders?

Xavier worked to ensure that politicians and business leaders understood biotechnology as a tool that could advance agricultural development. He emphasized that neglecting biotechnology would place the country at a significant disadvantage in terms of agricultural competitiveness and food security.

What challenges did Emil Xavier face in the development of biotechnology in the Philippines?

Xavier faced challenges in convincing policymakers of the value of biotechnology, as it was still a new and emerging field in the 1970s and 1980s. Additionally, there were resource constraints and the need for specialized expertise in new areas like biochemistry and tissue culture.

What is Emil Xavier's opinion on genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Xavier views GMOs developed through biotechnology as safe and comparable to conventional products. He believes that GMOs, when developed correctly, can offer significant advantages in agriculture, but stresses the importance of developing them safely and responsibly.