Dr. Teodulo M. Topacio is the country's new National Scientist
Last June 17, 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred the rank of National Scientist on veterinarian Dr. Teodulo M. Topacio Jr.
Dr. Teodulo Topacio Jr., 84, was recognized for his contribution to the study of animal diseases, particularly the transmission of leptospirosis from pigs to humans, allowing authorities to develop cures.
A native of Cavite, Dr. Teodulo Topacio Jr. was also recognized for leading the campaign for the passage of the anti-rabies bill in Congress, now a law and the government’s key weapon in eradicating the disease.
Arroyo awarded him an elaborate medal in the presence of Dr. Emil Javier of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro.
He was further cited for his contribution to higher productivity in the livestock industry and the development of reasonably priced products in the veterinarian pharmaceutical industry.
Born on Nov. 30, 1924, Dr. Teodulo Topacio Jr. graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in 1951 with a degree in veterinary medicine (cum laude). He later earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in veterinary medicine at the Michigan State University and Purdue University in the US in 1956 and 1963, respectively.
He has held posts in the Asian Development Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Health Organization, among other agencies.
Aside from his studies on leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans from rodents and pigs, Dr. Teodulo Topacio Jr. has done work on the treatment and reduction of abortion among pig, bacterial abortion in cattle, parasitic liver disease, virus disease of dogs and tumors in cats, among others.
He organized the Univet Veterinary Research and Development Division of Unilab, a Filipino-owned drug manufacturing company.
