Dr William G Padolina

Commencement Speaker 2025
Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa

In a world where science increasingly intersects with societal transformation, Dr William G Padolina stands as a beacon of how one individual can bridge rigorous research and compassionate leadership for the greater good, and whose lifelong commitment to science, education, and public service continues to inspire generations.

Born on 15 November 1946 in Pasay City, Dr Padolina’s journey into science was sparked by his Biology teacher at the University of the Philippines Preparatory School, Dr Lilia M Rabago, who opened his eyes to the wonders of scientific discovery, an inspiration that would chart the course of his life. A devoted husband to Ma Cristina Damasco-Padolina, herself a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering graduate with a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy, Dr Padolina is a proud father of three accomplished children and a doting grandfather of six. He enjoys playing the violin, listening to classical music, and Broadway soundtracks, reflecting his deep appreciation for both science and the arts.

From the start of his academic journey at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), where he graduated magna cum laude in Agricultural Chemistry, Dr Padolina’s passion for learning and discovery was already evident, earning his license as a chemist immediately after. A Fulbright-Hays scholar, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Botany/Phytochemistry from the University of Texas and pursued postdoctoral research in Norway’s renowned carotenoid chemistry laboratories.

Dr Padolina has been primarily involved in institution building, managing research and organizations engaged in agriculture and biotechnology, with microbiology playing a key role in many of his initiatives. A gifted educator and mentor, Dr Padolina rose from instructor to full professor at UPLB, guiding research groups and shaping young scientists. He held various administrative positions, including Director of the Institute of Chemistry, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Director of the National Institutes of Microbiology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), and Assistant to the President of the University.

He has held numerous influential leadership roles in science and technology, both nationally and internationally. He served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (1994-1999) under two Philippine presidents, and was a former President of the 40th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency. At the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), he served as Director for External Relations and later as Deputy Director General for Operations, and continues to serve as a consultant and senior advisor. He chaired the Technical Panel for Food and Agriculture of the Joint Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering, and held board positions in key institutions including the Philippine Institute of Development Studies and the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

Currently, he is President of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Senior Fellow at Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Chair of Euromed Laboratories Inc, and manager of the CHED Technical Working Group for PCARI, continuing his lifelong dedication to science-led national development. “Our goal is to make sure that our national development agenda is technology explicit. It factors in the different tools that are now available in science and technology so that we can progress as a nation and become more competitive in the products that we produce in the global market and come up with a more comfortable and a higher quality of life for all,” he shared.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr Padolina expanded his work to science policy and food security, emphasizing that research must serve national development. As BIOTECH Director and later DOST Secretary, he championed research excellence, pushed for innovation, and rejected mediocrity. He led the Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND), prioritized key industries, and initiated programs like the Engineering and Science Education Project (ESEP) and the Science and Technology Scholarship Act to strengthen the country’s scientific workforce. His leadership saw the implementation of PhNet, linking the Philippines to the Internet, and the passage of the Magna Carta for S&T Personnel (RA 8439). At IRRI, he supported the development of Golden Rice to address Vitamin A deficiency—an enduring legacy of science in service of public health.

The many accolades he has received speak of his lasting impact: the Tree of Life Award for coconut research, the ASEAN Meritorious Service Award in Science and Technology, the Excellence in Science and Engineering Award by PhilDev, and the Philippine Legion of Honor. Yet more enduring than any award is the legacy of critical thinking, servant leadership, and hope he has instilled in generations of students, researchers, and fellow Filipinos.

To the graduating Class of 2025 of Xavier University, he offered this heartfelt reminder, a message that echoes the very principles he has lived by, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning grounded in moral integrity. “You must continue to learn new things even on your own, but at the same time, make sure that the values of honesty, integrity, and what we call as Christians, the fruits of the spirit, are maintained.”

Dr Padolina is not only a scholar, but a true man for others. His life reflects the Jesuit ideal of “engaged excellence,” the fusion of intellectual rigor and social responsibility. Through science, he found his mission. Through education, his voice. Through service, his purpose.

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In sincere recognition of his exceptional contributions to phytochemistry, biotechnology, and applied microbiology, which have significantly advanced agricultural productivity, alongside his distinguished career as a scientist, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is pleased and deeply honored to bestow upon Dr William G Padolina, the esteemed speaker of the 86th Commencement Exercises, the prestigious degree of Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa.