Student Week 2025 for Freshmen and Transferees
July 22, 2025
Dr. Tamie C. Solpot, a Professor of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and the Philippine Industrial Crops Research Institute (PICRI) Director, was awarded the National Scientist Romulo G. Davide Excellence in Extension and Community Development Award during the 57th Annual Scientific Conference of the Pest Management Council of the Philippines, held on July 11, 2025, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The award, given by the Philippine Phytopathological Society (PPS), recognizes individuals who deliver practical solutions to farming communities through outreach and field programs.
Dr. Solpot was recognized for using social media and video content under the Agrikonek sa SocMed initiative, which gave farmers easier access to crop advice during the pandemic.
Serving as the Extension Coordinator at USM’s College of Agriculture from 2020 to 2021 and worked as a DOST-CAPE expert, he helped the farmers manage plant diseases in cacao, coffee, and rubber.
In addition, he provided support to Moro and indigenous farmers through his partnership with Islamic Relief in the Ugnayan sa Magsasakang Moro at Katutubo project.
Also, his work in addressing Pestalotiopsis disease in rubber, that affected over 37,000 hectares in Mindanao, contributed to his recognition.
“This recognition is not mine alone,” Dr. Solpot said in an interview. “It belongs to the communities that welcomed me, the farmers who embraced innovation, and the partners and institutions that supported our initiatives” the PICRI Director added.
Nominees are screened based on their programs (25%), materials created (30%), outreach efforts (25%), and actual results for farmers (20%).
The award was renamed in honor of Dr. Romulo G. Davide, the country’s first plant pathologist to be named National Scientist.
