Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has conferred the rank and title of National Scientist on Fr Bienvenido Nebres SJ, for his outstanding contributions to science and mathematics education and social reform. The title of national scientist is considered the highest honour given to a scientist in the country.

President Aquino paid tribute to Fr Nebres, who was president of Ateneo de Manila University from April 1993 to May 2011, in a ceremony in Malacañang, citing his achievements as “educator, mathematician, mentor and administrator.”

“Fr Nebres has been a consistent advocate of educational reform, a leader who has pushed for the formulation and implementation of a long-term plan to improve our nation’s competitiveness in the natural sciences and mathematics,” said President Aquino.

President Aquino said that Fr Nebres has worked tirelessly to find effective ways of improving education in the public school system, mentioning specifically that Fr Nebres helped establish the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED), which focuses on improving education in public schools.  ACED now works with local governments with over 400 public schools in Quezon City, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Nueva Ecija, La Union and other parts of the country.

“May Fr Nebres serve as an example of integrity, hard work and service to all of us as we continue to dedicate ourselves to the development and improvement of those who need help the most,” the President added.

Fr Nebres, 71, is the Philippines’ 37th National Scientist.

To read Fr Nebres’ response on the Ateneo de Manila University website, click here.