Pinoy farmer-scientist hailed posthumously for organic rice work

Pioneering rice scientist amd farmer Perfecto Ruiz “Ka Pecs” Vicente was given posthumous honors on Thursday in South Cotabato by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for his contributions to the country’s rice and organic farming industry. The citation was bestowed in person by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala himself.

 

According to a report on Bombo Radyo, an emotional Alcala spoke at the wake, crediting Vicente for his “His commitment and dedication to his work has been an inspiration to all of us. We lost a great man, a friend, a dedicated farmer and scientist. For me, this is the second time that I lost a father.”

 

Vicente passed away on May 27 at the age of 80 in his home in Barangay San Vicente in Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, after battling a lingering illness. He will be laid to rest today, May 31.

 

'Pillar of the Philippine Rice Industry'

 

Vicente was considered as one of the pillars of the Philippine Rice Industry and was one of the brains behind Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, a bill that Sec. Alcala authored when he was still the representative for the 2nd district of Quezon Province in the 14th Congress.

 

It was also through Vicente that the Department of Agriculture has regained their interest in native rice varieties. His massive collection of over 500 traditional and indigenous rice species from all over the Philippines, including black rice, is one of the factors that Alcala credits for creating a new export opportunity for rice farmers and the inspiration behind the DA’s campaign in Food Staple Sufficiency.

 

For his work, Vicente has received numerous national and local citations including a special citation by the DA during the 7th National Organic Conference held in Lucena City in 2010 as an outstanding farmer scientist and the (Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Pag-Unlad ng Agrikultura Inc) MASIPAG’s lifetime achievement award.

 

Always a farmer’s son

 

Perfecto Ruiz Vicente was born in Pangasinan province on May 5, 1933, to farmer parents. His natural intelligence allowed him to consistently get scholarships until he eventually graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in Agriculture.

 

He later went to work for 5 years as faculty and researcher for the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Agriculture. Later on he joined the farmer-scientist network and think tank Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Pag-Unlad ng Agrikultura Inc. (MASIPAG) where his research in the preservation, propagation and breeding of traditional rice varieties brought him to different parts of the Philippines until he settled in South Cotabato which became his home. And despite his advanced age, Vicente continued his work through his home laboratory in Sta Nino and in consulting for the DA in training farmers and agricultural technicians in organic rice farming. In fact, the DA is using Vicente’s farm as a demonstration farm to train farmers, students and enthusiasts in organic farming and sustainable rice farming techniques.

 

To those who knew him personally, Vicente was a “diamond”, priceless in his dedication to help poor farmers and his zeal in promoting sustainable farming. He worked tirelessly, without any expecting any fame or financial compensation. In fact, before his death, Sec Alcala gifted Vicente with a new pair of hearing aids because his old pair was breaking down.

 

Foundation to be established

 

In honor of Vicente’s contributions to science and agriculture, Alcala said that a foundation will be established in the pioneer scientist’s name. The foundation would reflect the Vicente’s work in promoting sustainable mainstream agriculture and organic farming.

 

“His work will continue through this foundation. We will make sure that his vision to pass on these indigenous rice treasures to the later generations will be fulfilled,” he added.  — TJD, GMA News