Mudjekeewis Santos, PH's first-ever Scientist V, hopeful for more future Pinoy scientists

Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos of the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute just made history by being the first person in the country to attain the Scientist V rank under the Scientific Career System (SCS).

Santos, also known as "Doc Mudjie" on social media and "Doc Pogi" among his constituents, received the rank during the oath-taking of newly conferred and upgraded career scientists on Monday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, Santos said he's thrilled to be the first scientist to reach such a rank, but he also hopes he won't be the last to pursue higher studies in science in the Philippines. 

As a newly named Scientist V, Santos has authored and co-authored over a hundred scientific articles, book chapters, and books. He also led the revival and transformation of The Philippine Journal of Fisheries into a world-class Scopus-indexed journal.

Santos said it is a big responsibility to be named a Scientist V, but his primary motivation to accept this position is to inspire and encourage more youth to get into science.

"As a scientist, we need to provide not only information na nabigay na natin before, but continue providing information and technology for our country," he said.

"More than ever, we need to provide motivation and inspiration to the youth, to the next generation, that the Scientific Career System exists," he added. "Na hindi kailangan lumabas ng bansa, para kumita ng pera, mag provide sa family, because a salary of a career scientist is very substantive."

Aside from Santos, Dr. Ricardo F. Orge was also upgraded to Scientist III. Four new researchers were also conferred the Scientist rank: Dr. Evelyn C. Ame, Scientist I; Dr. Jaime A. Manalo IV, Scientist II; Dr. Ulysses M. Montojo, Scientist I; and Dr. Minerva Fatimae H. Ventolero, Scientist I.

With this development, the number of scientists conferred under the System now totals 213 since it was institutionalized in 1983 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos.

The SCS is co-implemented by the Department of Science and Technology and the Civil Service Commission. It is a system of recruitment, career progression, and recognition that awards the scientist rank to qualified research personnel in the government service.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News