A Filipino scientist has been granted the title of a knight in The Netherlands for her work in the agriculture and food sector.
Dr. Mary Ann Pelagio Sayoc was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of “her tireless dedication” in promoting relations between The Netherlands and the Philippines.
“It is a recognition of exceptional merit to The Netherlands,” said Ambassador Saskia de Lang who conferred the award to Sayoc.
The Filipino scientist is the public affairs lead for the East-West Seed Group, a Philippine company that was founded by Dutch seedsman Simon Groot with Filipino seed trader Benito Domingo in 1982.
Since its establishment EWS has become a dominant market leader in vegetable seeds in the Philippines and expanded its operations to countries in Asia and Africa.
In a statement to the media, the Embassy of The Netherlands said Sayoc, in her various
capacities, “has significantly contributed in realizing efforts aimed at transforming Philippine agriculture and boosting productivity of local farmers.”
She is also chairperson on the Philippine Seed Industry Association and was instrumental in the involvement of Dutch expertise in the scoping mission on establishing the National Seed Technology Park.
The Order of Orange-Nassau is awarded to individuals for longstanding meritorious service to society.
The order is typically awarded each year on April 27. The order is also used to honor foreign princes, ministers, dignitaries and diplomats.
