Together with its partners, NRCP celebrates 90th founding anniversary

The National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) was established with a purpose. It unites the country’s brightest minds for the promotion of research work along scientific line. Through Act 4120 on December 8, 1933, NRCP was born with just 114 members.

This is to build a brighter future for the Philippines, through the conduct of research in the sciences that will benefit the Filipino people.

Since its founding, NRCP has been given different roles.

It acted as the official adviser on scientific matters to the Government of the Philippines and one of the science and technology councils attached to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for policy and program coordination.

NRCP’s lifeblood is its members from the 13 scientific divisions across all disciplines.

The Council enlisted 3,000 members in 2003, and doubled this number this 2023 with 6,125 members almost across all provinces in the Philippines. NRCP ensures that the researchers’ capabilities are enhanced through provision of services (grants, capacity building activities, experts’ engagement, etc.) and products.

By doing so, NRCP, together with its members, was able to execute its mandates. From promoting and supporting fundamental or basic research for the continuing total improvement of the research capability of individual scientists or group of scientists to providing advice on problems and issues of national interest, promoting scientific and technological culture to all sectors of society, and fostering linkages with local and international scientific organizations for enhanced cooperation in the development and sharing of information.

Ten years on its Centennial year, NRCP will befit the theme, “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Shaping the Future.

NRCP will honor the past by paying tribute to its foundations. Aside from this, NRCP’s partners who have been part of the growth and success of the Council in pushing the basic research and in nurturing the culture of science in the country will be recognized.

NRCP was instrumental in the establishment of the Commission on Volcanology, now Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or PHIVOLCS. The first geological survey of the whole Philippine Archipelago and early studies of pneumonia in the Philippines was also done by NRCP. Many of these, and more, milestones and major breakthroughs that have been pivotal in scientific advancement for nation building will be revisited.

To celebrate this present, NRCP will confer awards to its members and recognition to its partners who played a major role in pursuit for nation building.

In shaping the future, the Council will reinforce its commitment to science. It will launch various knowledge products generated from its research, and unveil the programs, projects, and activities that will continue build the nation for progress.

The celebration happens at 2:00 PM at The Manila Centennial Hall, Rizal Park, Manila.

(Jenny Leigh A. Daquioag, DOST-NRCP)