PRESIDENT Aquino on Tuesday conferred on Fr. Bienvenido Nebres S.J. the rank and title of the Order of National Scientist, which he said is the “highest tribute our country can pay to those who have blazed the trail in fields that are vital to our national development.”

“For his life’s work, the National Academy of Science and Technology has seen fit to recommend the conferment we are witnessing today. These are not laurels on which he will be content to rest: I do not doubt for a moment that Fr. Nebres will continue to contribute to the country,” Mr. Aquino said in conferment ceremonies in Malacañang.

He noted that Nebres has been “a consistent advocate of educational reform, a leader who has pushed for the formulation and implementation of a long-term plan to improve our nation’s competitiveness in the natural sciences and mathematics.”

“Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to find effective ways of improving education in the public school system,” the President said, adding that Nebres helped establish the Ateneo Center for Educational Development, which assists local governments and over 400 public schools.

The 71-year-old Nebres, former president of the Ateneo de Manila University, is the 37th National Scientist of the country and one of the 15 awardees living today.

Nebres said he was “a little bit” surprised by the honor but appreciated the recognition of his work over the last 30 years.