WHEREAS , the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines states that it is a declared policy of the State to give priority to science and technology;

WHEREAS , Section 10, Article XIV of the Constitution also provides that science and technology are essential for national development and that the State shall give priority to research, development, invention, innovation and their utilization;

WHEREAS , the rank and title of National Scientist was created under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, dated December 16, 1976;

WHEREAS , preeminent achievements by Filipinos in science and technology that have contributed to the progress of the country and humanity deserve the recognition and acknowledgment of our Government in pursuit of its policy of furthering national development through enhanced scientific and technological research and development; and

WHEREAS , the work of Gavino Cajulao Trono, Jr., Ph.D., in the field of Marine Science is reflective of this pre-eminence and of the national genius that contributes to science and technology and to the progress of the Philippines and the world.

NOW THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO, III , President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, and upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Science and Technology and National Academy of Science and Technology pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, dated December 16, 1976, in relation to Section 33, Chapter 6, Title XVIII, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292, s. 1987, otherwise known as the œ Administrative Code of 1987  and Executive Order No. 236, s. 2003, otherwise known as the œHonors Code of the Philippines , do hereby accord to Gavino Cajulao Trono, Jr., Ph.D., the rank and title of National Scientist, with the privileges and emoluments attached thereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

DONE , in the City of Manila, this 13th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Fourteen.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

By the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary