The title Order of the National Scientists is the highest honor conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines to a Filipino with outstanding achievements in science and technology. The distinction was instituted in 1976 through Presidential Decree  1003-A which created the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) as the country’s highest recognition and advisory body in science and technology. National Scientists are recommended annually by NAST “for distinguished individual or collaborative achievements in science and/or technology and accorded the rank and title by the president. In 2003, Executive Order 236 elevated the rank of National Scientists into the Order of National Scientists.

Since 1978, the Philippine president has conferred the rank and title on 36 scientists, 11 of whom are UPD professors.

(+) Edgardo D. Gomez, PhD (2014)
Professor Emeritus, The Marine Science Institute
College of Science

Gavino C. Trono Jr., PhD (2014)
Professor Emeritus, The Marine Science Institute
College of Science

Raul V. Fabella, PhD (2011)
Professor, School of Economics

Mercedes B. Concepcion, PhD, (2010)
Professor and Director, Population Institute (1970-1984)
College of Arts and Sciences/College of Social Sciences and Philosophy

Lourdes T. Cruz, PhD, (2006)
Professor Emerita, The Marine Science Institute

(+) Onofre D. Corpuz, PhD, (2004)
Professor, School of Economics
President, University of the Philippines System, 1975-1979

(+) Alfredo V. Lagmay, PhD, (1988)
Professor and Head (1970-1976) Department of Psychology
Former College of Arts and Sciences

(+) Jose C. Encarnacion Jr., PhD, (1987)
Professor and Dean (1974-1994), UP School of Economics

(+) Encarnacion A. Alzona, PhD, (1985)
Professor, Department of History
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy

(+) Teodoro A. Agoncillo, PhD, (1983)
Professor and head (1963-1969), Department of History
Former College of Arts and Sciences

(+) Carmen C. Velasquez, PhD, (1983)
Professor Emeritus in Zoology
Former College of Arts and Sciences

(+) Gregorio T. Velasquez, PhD (1982)
Professor Emeritus