Who is Melecio S Magno?

Answer 1

Dr. Melecio S. Magno was Chairman of NSDB from 1976 to 1981. He obtained a BS in Mining Engineering, and MS in Physics from the University of the Philippines. His interests spanned seismology, metrology, meteorology, physics and held administrative positions in these fields in UP. He was appointed Minister of NSDB from 1978 to 1981. He later became President of the Science Foundation of the Philippines, Vice President of the National Academy of Science and Technology, and President of the National Research Council of the Philippines. During his administration, the Philippines for the first time sealed a working relationship with an eastern block country through the Philippine-Romanian Agreement on S&T Cooperation. Dr. Magno emphasized the importance of developing the country's S&T manpower, and supported undergraduate and graduate science scholarship programs. He also supported the UP Science Education Center in the writing of science textbooks, Summer Science Institute for teachers to improve science and mathematics instruction, supplied laboratory equipment under the Science Equipment Development Program, and implemented the Balik-Scientist Program. He pushed for the establishment of the National Academy of Science and Technology. Under Dr. Magno, the NSDB pursued mission-oriented R&D programs in different sectors. Dr. Magno was born on May 24, 1920 in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.