A Torch in the Lab

Louis Pasteur, an eminent figure in Chemistry and Biology said, Science knows
no country because knowledge belongs to humanity and is the torch that illuminates
the world. Pursuing knowledge is a noble and brave act, for not anyone can seek what
is not seen. In science, everything seems abstract and elusive due to a myriad of
confusing phenomena and terminologies. However, this academic field tackles
everything around us; science can preserve, protect, and enhance life and society’s
well-being. Science is more than a discipline. It is a long-term, collaborative effort in
which scientists work together toward a common goal. Among this effort, the field of
chemistry is the center of it all, a cornerstone of all scientific breakthroughs. That is
why chemists are indispensable members of the diverse, talented community of
scientists. As integral constituents of this group, they are mandated to serve their
countries and all of humanity. Among these scientists are Filipino chemists, who
dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and betterment of their global and
local kababayans. Not only are they exceptional, Doctors Dayrit, Olivera, and Sevilla
faithfully adhered to and set the Chemistry Code of Ethics as their precept and
foundation of their convictions.

People say that success is the combination of character and intellectual

abilities, and the Filipino chemists mentioned had spent their life prioritizing honor and
excellence. As emphasized in Article 2, Sections 1 to 2 of the Chemistry Code of
Ethics, chemists should uphold the profession, improve themselves, and share their
knowledge and expertise. This provision is paramount to every chemist because—as
scientists—they are a part of an enormous cause that aims to innovate society
because being self-centered only leads to failure. Selfishness topples ideas and
researches as theories or hypotheses are built upon multiple scientific thoughts. It will
only rot the invaluable skills that an experienced chemist acquired, which is why
Doctors Dayrit, Olivera, and Sevilla committed to being the top experts in their
specializations. As morally grounded chemists, they were often decorated with awards
from various institutions locally and abroad—fulfilling the ideal chemists envisioned by
the Code of Ethics. The major recognitions of these scientists include: Outstanding
Scientific Paper Award, the title of National Academician, and Gregorio Zara Award
for Basic Research for Dr. Dayrit; Distinguished Professor of Biology Award from the
University of Utah for Dr. Olivera; and lastly, G.F. Kirkbright Award (UK), PRC
Outstanding Professional Chemist, and the title of National Academician for Dr. Sevilla
(National Academy of Science and Technology [NAST], n.d.; American Philosophical
Society [APS], n.d.). These professionals materialized what Sections 1 and 2 are
saying, which is the commitment to having the highest degree of professionalism,
integrity, and excellence and upgrading the professional practice of Chemistry. The
discipline of Chemistry, as said by Dr. Dayrit, is still a relatively small industry and field
in the Philippines (Ferry, n.d.). That is why chemists should affirm their responsibilities
and always do what is ethical because the country needs more of them to build better
communities. The field that they engaged themselves in is often referred to as the
Central Science, pushing them to only pursue what is good because they alone
possess the knowledge of this grand foundation of science. Fortunately, aspiring
young chemists can look up to the three notable Filipino chemists because they
dedicated themselves only for the pursuit of knowledge and excellence, not malice
and corruption. The dedication that Doctors Dayrit, Olivera, and Sevilla had shown
upholds the professional and respectable image of chemistry in the country—fulfilling
the goals of not only Article 2, Sections 1 to 2, but also Article 1, Section 1, and Article
3 (Responsibility to Professional Colleagues), Section 4. They excelled in Chemistry
for the good of the people and become as role models for aspiring chemists because
more are needed to be inspired by them, as Dr. Dayrit remarked that the field still lacks
Filipinos. Indeed, the mentioned chemists are honorable and, at the same time,
commendable for their contributions.

Aside from having the conviction and integrity to uphold and practice the
Chemistry profession properly, service is also a hallmark for professional chemists. It
was highlighted in the General Principles, section 3 and Article 3 (Responsibility to
Accredited Professional Organization), section 3 in the Chemistry Code of Ethics that
chemists should contribute to national development and share knowledge and support
the goals of elevating the chemistry profession and entire industry. Again, Doctors
Dayrit, Olivera, and Sevilla were active in utilizing their expertise and maximizing their
efforts in achieving nation-building and making an impact on other nations, as well.
For instance, Dr. Sevilla played a vital role in Chemistry education because of his
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)-recognized work in the
field of low-cost instrumentation and microscale experiments, benefitting students in
the Philippines and other parts of the world (University of Santo Tomas [UST], 2021;
NAST, n.d.). Aside from contributing to the development of society, changes in
government policies are also a role of professional chemists, which is why Dr. Dayrit
became one of the prominent figures in Filipino Chemistry. He was the one who
advocated for the government to revise the Law governing chemists, and under his
leadership in the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP), the Modern Chemistry
Law or Republic Act 10657 was enacted in Congress (Ateneo de Manila University
(AdMU), 2019). Additionally, as the former dean of the School of Science and
Engineering (SOSE) in AdMU, he established the National Chemistry Instrumentation
Center (NCIC), which became one of the state-of-the-art science facilities in the
country, which aims to support and strengthen the Philippine government’s initiative in
scientific research and innovation (Ferry, n.d.). Lastly, to carry the Filipino-bred
chemistry expertise and skills abroad, Dr. Olivera had the Distinguished Professor of
Biology Award from the University of Utah in 2007, wherein as a professor in the said
institution, he focused on studying the potential medicinal properties of predatory cone
snails (Conus) conotoxins in the Philippines. Due to his research, the conotoxins he
investigated proved to be essential tools for understanding ion channel and receptor
function in nervous systems and also as potential medicines for alleviating pain (APS,
n.d.). From these momentous achievements, it is undeniable that these Filipino
chemists honed their skills in chemistry, not for personal gain, but to provide their
kababayan locally and globally the advancements and knowledge that justify the
indispensable role of chemists in society. That, chemists are not only confined in their
laboratories but also serve and lead for the people.

Chemists often deal with change and how different factors influence the latter.
To initiate a chemical reaction, one should know the substances well and what to alter
or control in the setup to produce meaningful results. However, yielding results only
come by changing the techniques, protocols, and attitude. Change encompasses
everything in the laboratory and outside of it. That is why the concept of change is
rooted in the heart of every chemist—they live by it. Doctors Dayrit, Olivera, and Sevilla
know that as members of the scientific community, every change in discoveries starts
with them. They are what binds all of the main branches of the natural and physical
sciences. Their adherence to some of the specific provisions in the Chemistry Code
of Ethics might not be evident, such as business transactions. Still, it is a no-brainer
that they would not have gained success and countless recognitions without knowing
how to morally and ethically act. As one of the pillars of science, these chemists hold
the torch to enlighten the current generation of what it means to be a chemist. Being
a chemist is always about having the torch and controlling its light and heat. Knowing
how much to keep the torch’s flame alive and bright is what enables chemistry to
brightly and warmly illuminate our broken, cold world.
 REFERENCES

APS member history. (n.d.). Member.

https://search.amphilsoc.org/memhist/search?creator=Baldomero%2BM.%2BO
livera&title=&subject=&subdiv=&mem=&year=&year-
max=&dead=&keyword=&smode=advanced.

Ateneo de Manila University. (2019, July 9). Emeritus professor honors for Dr. Fabian
M. Dayrit. https://ateneo.edu/ls/sose/chemistry/news/emeritus-professor-
honors-dr-fabian-mdayrit.

Ferry, M. A. (n.d.). Fabian M. Dayrit. Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies.

https://www.pfcs.org.ph/updates/features/fabian-m-dayrit/.

National Academy of Science and Technology (n.d.). Members.

https://members.nast.ph/index.php/list-of-nast-members/details/1/33#honors-
and-award-received.

University of Santo Tomas (2021, August 18). Sevilla, Fortunato III B.

https://www.ust.edu.ph/profile/sevilla-fortunato-iii-b/.