On This Day - June 13, 1896 - Casimiro V. del Rosario, who was recognized in 1984 as National Scientist in Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology, was born in Bantayan, Cebu

On June 13, 1896, Casimiro V. del Rosario, who was recognized in 1984 as National Scientist in Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology, was born in Bantayan, Cebu.

(Dr. Casimiro del Rosario)

Dr. Del Rosario is known for his researches on ultraviolet light of different wavelengths, effect of radioactive radiation on euglena (a genus of unicellular organisms), high voltage electrical discharges in a vacuum, and many other accomplishments.

He finished BS in Civil Engineering with honors at the University of the Philippines in 1918; MS in Physics at Yale University in the United States in 1924; and PhD in Physics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1932.

Notably, Del Rosario was the co-founder of the Bartol Research Foundation (Franklin Institute) in Philadelphia, an institution which did pioneering researches in physics.

Del Rosario also headed the Philippine Weather Bureau (now Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Adminstration (PAGASA)) for 11 years. He was vice chair for the National Science Development Board in 1958.

He was given the Presidential Award in 1965 for his outstanding works in physics, meteorology and astronomy.

He died on September 15, 1982 at the age of 86.

Reference: Philippines News Agency