Aquino confers national scientist rank on Jesuit priest Nebres

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday conferred to Father Bienvenido Nebres S.J. the rank and title of national scientist for his outstanding contributions to science and technology, education, and social reform. In his speech, Aquino called Nebres as "consistent advocate of reform." The conferment of the rank and title of national scientist, the highest honor given by the Philippine government, was stated in Proclamation No 209 issued on July 27, 2011. Nebres, 71, is the 37th national scientist of the country and one of the 15 awardees living today. He was recognized for his accomplishments as mathematician, educator, mentor and administrator. Nebres served as president of the Ateneo de Manila University, Aquino's alma mater, for 18 years. "In recognition of his distinctive leadership in the formulation and implementation of a long-term plan for the development of the natural sciences and mathematics that included the establishment of the PH. D. Consortium in the basic sciences and the establishment of the Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development," the citation read. Nebres worked through the years to find effective ways of improving education in public school system. His pioneering studies on mathematics education in the Philippines and Southeast Asia have articulated points of view from developing countries. His studies also brought to the attention of the international mathematics education community the need to engage the political and social environment to create room for effective reform. - VVP, GMA News