STS NATIONAL SCIENTIST Q AND A

(REVIEWER)

Dioscoro L. Umali

Q AND A:
Among all Umali’s contributions and innovations, what do you think is beneficial
to society today?
● Improvements of rice and corn
● In 1949, Dr Umali engaged in the breeding and selection of superior rice varieties
and the development of hybrids which were resilient to Philippine conditions.
Nine years later, his efforts with these endeavors produced 14 outstanding rice
varieties and five outstanding corn hybrids which were approved and
recommended by the Philippine Seed Board.
● Dr Umali also valued the welfare of the farmers; because of this, Dr Umali
studied the factors affecting rice seed dormancy and germination as well as
milling recovery. Dr Umali recommended the improvement of the country’s rice
mills because he first pointed out that the 40-50 percent milling recovery was due
to inefficient kiskisan mills widely used in the country at that time.
Additional information:
● His research output and writings paved the way for the launching of programs of
rainfed and upland agriculture, social forestry, environment conservation and
rural poverty
● His studies on upland agriculture, forestry, and environmental preservation have
helped many farmers improve the quality of their crops.
Fe Del Mundo

Q AND A:
How is the contribution of Dr. Fe Del Mundo related to technology?
● As the definition given in the previous discussion, technology increases man's
survival. With Dr. Del Mundo's contribution, which is the bamboo incubator, it
increases or prolongs the life of the child.
● Incubator is used to keep the baby warm and to prevent hypothermia
● The bamboo incubator is used in the rural places which is not supplied with
electricity

Additional Information:

Gregorio Ynciong Zara

Q AND A:
Among all Zara’s contributions and innovations, what do you think is beneficial to
society today?
● For me the robot Marex X-10, during that time the robot could talk and walk so it
kind of paved the way for the major advancement of our technology today. Which
our society has benefited a lot.
● For me the Airplane Fueled by Alcohol, because as we all know transportation is
really a big problem back then, most of the people really emerged on how the
transportation will cause a great benefit to them. And up until now, Zara's
invention regarding the use of alcohol in airplanes has been incredibly helpful in
determining how modern transportation in our society is so innovative and a
great boon for our developing country, and from this alcohol invention, the fuels
for airplanes are now produced in the most environmentally friendly manner.
● SolarSorber - solar water heater, stove, and battery.
● He was honored as a National Scientist in 1978 by President FEM. Honored by
President Carlos Garcia in 1959 for his work in aerunautics.
● Sept. 30, 1954: Zara’s first alcohol-fueled airplane engine was successfully
tested and flown at the NAIA.
● ZARA EFFECT: physical law of electrical kinetic resistance which involves the
resistance to the passage of an electric current when contracts are in motion.
● Alcohol was utilized because its carbon emission was less than fuel’s.
● He patented 30 devices. He was best known for the video telephone.
● Cause of death: heart failure.
● “Father of videoconferencing”
Dr. Ramon Cabanos Barba

Q AND A:
What is the relation of the invention of Dr. Ramon to STS?
- Dr. Ramon's invention involves the use of technology to create an invention, the
chemical solution and gibberellic acid fertilizer, to induce mango tree production.
It also relies on scientific knowledge of how mango trees flower and produce, and
how these inventions would help speed it up. Finally, the results from the
invention lead Dr. Ramon to believe that society can benefit from it, particularly
the Mango Industry. With his invention, there are now more supplies of mango
than ever before, even during off-seasons, thus stimulating the industry and
economy as a whole.
- “The relation of this invention to STS is that it improves the production of
mangoes in a year. Before, mangoes only grew once a year, but now, they
produce 3 times a year. In this invention, it not only helps this scientist to have a
new invention, but it helps the farmer and sellers to produce and sell more
mangoes.”
Dr. Angel C. Alcala

Q AND A:
What is the most significant distribution he has contributed in the Philippines?
● The invention of artificial coral reefs.
What's the significance of the discovery of species?
● It makes the Philippines known in different countries for being a diverse country.
(biodiversity)

Additional Information:

Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo

Q AND A:
Dr. Ernesto Domingo
- National Scientist for Infectious Disease
- Gastroenterologist, According to McCallum (2022), a gastroenterologist is a
specialist with expertise in the disorders and diseases that affect the
digestive system — which includes the gastrointestinal tract as well as the
pancreas, liver, bile ducts and gallbladder. And as we researched about
him, his studies focuses on liver.
- Professor at University of the Philippines College of Medicine

How does immunization policy helps the community? (nonverbatim)

- Sa tulong ng immunization policy, ang pagpapabakuna laban sa Hepatitis B ay
naging mandatory at available para sa lahat. Kung saan, hindi lamang ang mga
mayayaman ang maaaring makapagpabakuna, kundi maging ang mga mahihirap
na walang kakayahan na bilhin ang bakuna laban sa Hepatitis.
- Hindi na kailangang mabahala ang mga tao kung sakaling may sakit sila sa atay
na mula sa pagkain ng infected na dugo o labis na pag-inom ng alak at isiping
automatically na patay na sila dahil nagkaroon na nga ng preventive solution
laban sa Hepatitis B.

Raul V. Fabella

Q AND A:
1. Did Dr. Fabella became the adviser of former president Aquino?
- Yes
2. What is Maharlika Wealth Fund?
 - The MWF is a sovereign wealth fund which will be used by the
government to invest in a wide range of outlets such as foreign
currencies, fixed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate
bonds, commercial real estate, and infrastructure projects, among others.
- https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1703562/mif-beyond-repair-says-natl-scientist
-in-economics
3. Raul Fabella reform a land reform through opposing some provisions of
the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
- He opposed the provision of CARP wherein they restricted the
ownership ceiling to 5 hectares for all crops or the maximum hectare
given to farmers is only 5 hectares. He opposed as farm size shrinks
further especially when farmer-beneficiaries such as descendants divide
the farm among themselves, leaving the farmer beneficiary with smaller
hectare of land.
- He opposed provision forbidding farmer-beneficiaries to sell or lease
their land for 10 years until they’ve fully paid. He opposed it as farmers
have low income which payment could take forever.
- CARP only grants Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) and
not individual land titles to farmers thus, Fabella opposed it as farmers
have no assurance if they truly own the land.
- Farmers can’t have access to formal credit to banks to buy more raw
materials to boost agricultural output and efficiency as they don’t own the
land which can serve as their collateral. Thus, farmers have no choice but
to resort to illegal credit providers.
- Fabella calls for a property rights reform as CARP only distributed the
land to the farmer but reduced agricultural productivity in return.
- He proposes to undo these provisions by (1) issuing
farmer-beneficiaries with land titles, (2) creating a new law that allows
farmers to purchase or lease less-productive awarded lands and develop
industrial-sized farms.
Luz Olivares Belardo

Q AND A :
1. What do you mean by the term phytochemical property?
- any of various biologically active compounds found in plants

2. Those oils and chemicals are from?

- Native Philippine plants

Report:

- Studied the chemistry of natural products and essential oils from Philippine plants
for 50 years.
● In Dr. Luz Belardo’s case, her biography said that she “never thought of
becoming a scientist but dreamt of becoming a known writer or journalist”
since she excelled in this field, having been the editor-in-chief of her
school’s organ and bagging many awards in essay and story writing back
in her high school years (Tenorio, 2000, p. 33). However, her father
strongly discouraged her in pursuing journalism. She ended up taking
courses on phytochemistry and received a BS degree in Pharmacy, thus
starting her path of becoming an expert in the field.

- She did extensive research on the phytochemical properties of plants. It

focused on extracting essential oils and other chemicals from native
Philippine plants for pharmaceutical applications, food production, scents,
and other applications.
● Outcome of her effort established various applications of the extracted oils
and chemicals from native Philippine plants.
● Herbal Medicine
○ Her first research was on the chemical and pharmacological
properties of Tanglad Tagalog or lemongrass (Cymbopogon ciratus)
and found that its chemicals, such as potassium citrate that is an
effective diuretic compound capable of resisting increased blood
pressure. Drinking a glass of lemongrass juice may help in bringing
down your blood pressure and is one of the best natural remedies
for high blood pressure.
○ She was one of the first Southeast Asians that conducted studies
on Chichirica "tsitsirika" or pink periwinkle (Vinca rosea) leaves.
She also investigated the anti-cancer properties of the alkaloids,
glycosides, terpenoids, sterols, fatty acids, and volatile oil extracted
from the periwinkle plant.
■ This pretty plant from Madagascar gives us two very
important cancer-fighting medicines: vinblastine and
vincristine. Vincristine has helped increase the chance of
surviving childhood leukemia from 10% to 90%, while
vinblastine is used to treat Hodgkins' Disease. Vinblastine
and vincristine, some chemicals that can be taken out of
Madagascar periwinkle, are approved by the US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for use in chemotherapy. Other
chemicals in Madagascar periwinkle might also have
anticancer activity, but they have not been well studied.
Madagascar periwinkle is used for diabetes, cancer, sore
throat, cough, insect bite, and many other conditions.
○ Dr. Luz also studied how the enzymes from the papaya can be
used as botanical medicines.
■ There are also a number of enzymes in papaya, like papain,
amylase, and protease that have powerful effects on overall
health, including digestive function.
■ Papain is the most famous enzyme found in papaya fruit,
and can significantly improve the digestion of protein within
our body, making more of that energy available. Carica
papaya lipase is another important digestive enzyme found
in this fruit and can help to break down dietary fat, relieving
some of the strain on the pancreas.
○ As of today, papaya enzymes are known for the following uses:
■ Skin Care
● Research has shown that papaya enzyme is able to
reduce free radical activity and reduce inflammation,
as well as reduce signs of premature aging like
wrinkles, age spots, and other superficial blemishes.
■ Treats Obesity
● By improving digestive abilities, papaya enzyme can
improve nutrient uptake, promote natural bowel
 movements, and increase feelings of fullness, which
can help with obesity and weight loss.
■ Treats Intestinal Parasites
● Many studies have found that this enzyme has
anti-parasitic qualities, and has helped millions of
people as a natural remedy for these types of
infections.
■ Aids in Digestion
● If you have poor digestive health, it can often be from
food being improperly digested; this enzyme can help
prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensure your body
gets what it needs.
● Other applications
○ Oleoresin, extracted from Apitong, was used as a component of motor
fuel.
○ Dr. Belardo and her co-workers have extended their basic research
studies into the properties of the volatile oil of apitong relevant to its
utilization as an energy source as suggested by the presence of a large
fraction of hydrocarbons in the oil. Their results show that the properties of
the oil are comparable to those of kerosene and a commercial crude oil.
○ There were indications that the essential oil of D. grandiflorns might be
used as a source of energy. The properties of the oil compared favorably
with most of the typical values for kerosene and a commercial crude oil.
- Extracted at least 33 essential oils and studied their chemical and physical
properties.
● She managed to extract 33 previously undiscovered essential oils from
Philippine-exclusive plants. For example, Cymbopogon citratus (a.k.a lemon
grass oil).
Jose Encarnacion Jr

Q AND A:
How will you relate the lexicographical to your course?
- Sa lexicographical preferences, pinag-uusapan dito yung decisions about money,
price or decision making and as a management accounting student, it will help us
to deal with the amount of money.
- Lexicographical preferences can help me not just as a student of management
accounting but also as a citizen of this country. Lexicographical preferences is
about giving or providing two different options, it can help those people who can't
afford buying things that are out of their budget.
- Since lexicographic preferences is about comparative graph like comparing two
alternatives, this will be a great help for us students, or simply as individuals, in
decision making.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Dr. Encarnacion is the first Filipino to Publish in an economic journal of international standing. His
Contributions to economic theory have appeared in major journals in England and the United States.

He has 3 main contributions. First, he published "on independence: postulates concerning choice" in
international economic review. Second, he is known for advancing the theory of lexicographic
preferences and lastly he published "a note on lexicographical preferences" in econometrica
magazine.

In recognition of his contributions to economics, Dr. Encarnacion is recipient of several awards

notably:Distinguished Scholar award from the University of the Philippines(1968), Philippine’s Ten
Outstanding Young Men Award(1963) and Miguel Cuaderno Chair in Political Economy,since 1969.

REPORT:
● José Encarnación Jr. was born on November 17, 1928
● He died on July 5, 1998 at the age of 69
 ● His parents are DR. Jose Encarnacion and Teofila Conception
● Filipino professor of economics at the University of the Philippines Diliman
● Dean of the School of Economics from 1974 until his retirement in 1994
● Postulates concerning choice - is thinking the most preferred alternative from
those available to it
● lexicographic preferences - is about comparative graph like comparing two
alternatives

Casimiro V. Del Rosario

Question: What are the benefits of his inventions, specifically the soft-x ray?

Answer: During our first meeting, we have learned that technology satisfies human
needs. It is any activity and/or product that tends to increase a man's chances of
survival (it lengthens the life). We can see even the smallest objects because of
electromagnetic energy used in the soft X-ray spectrum. It also helps us take pictures of
our inside organs and bones.

Soft x-rays function at a low frequency and, unless they are repeated too frequently, do
not significantly harm tissues. Hard X-rays have far more energy than soft X-rays. It also
could detect breast cancer imaging. Soft x-rays are one example of a diagnostic
imaging technology that helps to accurately diagnose a disease or injury by reducing
the number of potential causes.
Eduardo Arguelles Quisumbing

Q AND A: Ano yung macocontribute nung mga works niya sa Filipino Society?
- No medicinal properties sa orchids ang nahanap ni Quisumbing.
- Makakacontribute ito sa tourist attraction like sa Japan dba may
Cherry blossom sila..so atin naman ay Orchids if mapalago pa ng
husto.
Report: Background information Eduardo Arguelles Quisumbing

-known as a father of orchidology

-foremost botanist and a pioneer in the study of Philippine medicinal plants

-born on November 24,1895 in Santa Cruz Laguna

-died on August 23,1986 in Quezon City.

-parents are Honorato de los R. Quisumbing, Ciriaca F. Arguelles-Quisumbing

-earned his BS Agriculture in biology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in
1918 and his Master of Science in botany at the same university in 1921. He also
earned a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago (in Plant Taxonomy, Systematics and
Morphology) in 1923.

-Spouse: Basilisa Lim-Quisumbing

-Children: Honorato Lim Quisumbing, Lourdes L. Quisumbing-Roxas, Eduardo L.

Quisumbing, Jr.

Published Works

He is an Author of more than 129 scientific articles (Philippines and Abroad)

Some of his famous works are

- Tetralogy of Philippine Orchids

- The identity of Anota Violacea (violet) and Rhynchostylis Retus (Pink)

- New or Noteworthy Philippine Orchids

- Philippine Piperaceae

Plant use in inflammatory and it is good for treating tuberculosis and respiratory tract
infection

illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia,

hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease,
oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches

- Medicinal plants in the Philippines

forerunner of all researches on medicinal plants in the country

Eduardo Quisumbing (Botanist)

- Pioneer in the study of Philippine Medical Plant
Specialization: Ph.D. Plant Taxonomy, Systematics and Morphology

Born: November 24, 1895

•Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines
Died: August 23, 1986
•Quezon City, Philippines

Education
BS Biology - University of the Philippines Los Baños (1918)
MS Botany - University of the Philippines Los Baños (1921)
PhD Biology - University of Chicago (1923)

PhilAAS:
● Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology
● Established in 1951
● PhilASST (formerly PhilAAS) is an association of scientists and technologists in
the country which aims to promote the value of science in the community.

ORCHIDS:
● Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae , a diverse and
widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and
fragrant.

Eduardo Arguelles Quisumbing (Botanist)

- Filipino botanist and a noted expert in the medicinal plants of the
Philippines.
- He was an author of more than 129 scientific articles, many on orchids
- The plant Saccolabium quisumbingii is named for him.
- Saccolabium quisumbingii is an orchid species identified by L.O.Williams
in 1938. Culture information and photos for this orchid are commonly
detailed under the currently accepted name of Tuberolabium quisumbingii.
- fleshy leafed small growing monopodial from the Philippines. Easy to
grow, likes a slab of tree fern or a small slotted pot or basket. Keep damp
but not wet, although in winter, slightly drier conditions should prevail. A
warm to intermediate grower, Saccolabium quisumbingii will produce
several spikes on a well grown plant.
- Dr. Quisumbing was author of taxonomic and morphological papers, many
of which deal with orchids, including 'Medicinal plants in the Philippines'
(Manila 1951). Saccolabium quisumbingii has been named in his honour.
He was recipient of the Distinguished Service Star (1954) for outstanding
contribution to the field of systematic botany; Diploma of Merit on
Orchidology and Fellow Gold Medal, Malaysian Orchid Society (1966);
Gold Medal, American Orchid Society and 1975 PhilAAS Most
Outstanding Award.
- Known For: Quisumbing was a Filipino botanist and a noted expert in the
medicinal plants of the Philippines. The plant Saccolabium quisumbingii is
named for him.
- Quisumbing was the author of numerous taxonomic and morphological
papers, many of which deal with orchids, such as "Medicinal plants in the
Philippines." Some of his other published works include “Teratology of
Philippine Orchids,” “The identity of Anota Violacea and Rhynchostylis Retus,”
“New or Noteworthy Philippine Orchids,” and “Philippine Piperaceae.”
- He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Star (1954) for outstanding
contribution to the field of systematic botany
- The orchid named after Quisumbing, Saccolabium quisumbingii—also known as
Tuberolabium quisumbingii—is a beautiful plant that is widely available in the
United States. Like other orchids in the genus Tuberolabium kotoense, this orchid
produces small but plentiful bright purplish/pink-and-white flowers and grows in
the mountains of the Philippines.
- Quisumbing's legacy also lives on in the other beautiful orchids and flowers of the
Philippines that he spent his life cultivating, protecting, and describing for the
world to learn about and enjoy.
Dr. Pedro B. Escuro

Q AND A: Paano maapply 'yung invention ni dr escuro sa problems sa bigas natin

ngayon?

- Dapat ipaalam muna sa farmers na may nag eexist na gano'ng invention

and yung process kung paano gawin iyon. Also, kung paano nila
makukuha yung ganong seeds since sabi ni ma'am 'yung mga butil daw ay
galing pang ibang bansa.

Report: The scientist that we chose is Pedro B. Escuro. He was born on August 8,
1523 and died on September 8, 2000. He studied his college at University of the
Philippines in 1952 with a course of Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. He also
studied in Cornell University in 1954 with a Master of Science in plant breeding.
Lastly, he take his doctorate at University of Minnesota in 1959.

Dr. Escuro is considered as the father of Philippine Rice Breeding Program. He

made significant contributions to development of nine seed board rice varieties,
namely;

Milpal 4, HBD-2, Azmil 26 and C-22 (upland) and C-18, C4-63, C4-137, C-168 and
C-12 (lowland).

He also produced three improved wheat varieties which are Trigo 1, Trigo 2, and
Trigo 3.

These varieties are resistant to pests and other harmful conditions.

The "C" varieties were widely adopted in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam,
Southern India, and other Southeast Asian countries.

For his achievements in agriculture, Dr. Escuro received 18 honors and awards.
These includes two presidential awards which are the
-Presidential Plaque of Merit for outstanding accomplishments in rice
improvement (1967)

-Rizal Pro Patria Award for outstanding contribution to rice breeding and
genetics.

-He was also conferred as a National Scientist in 1994 by former President Fidel
Ramos in his specialization Genetics and Plant Breeding

Dr. Julian A. Banzon

Q AND A: How will those contributions help to resolve societal issues/ benefit the
society?
● ALTERNATIVE FUELS
○ It can help us have a sustainable source of fuel
○ It will help our environment because it will lessen the carbon
emission that come from burning fossil fuels

● FERMENTATIVE UTILIZATION OF CASSAVA

• help the food industries produce more products.
 ● CHEMICAL EXTRACTION OF COCONUT OIL
○ We can have an option/ alternative oil especially in cooking
○ Has health benefits:
○ He devised a new and scientific method of extracting residual
coconut oil through chemical means, in place of the more
commonly used physical process.

REPORT:
● Dr. Julian Arca Banzon was born on March 5, 1908
● Father: Manuel S. Banzon
● Mother: Arcadia Arca
● Place of Birth: Balanga Bataan
● Graduated from UP in 1930 with degree of BS in Chemistry
● Entered Iowa State University in the US with doctorate degree of
Biophysical Chemistry Minor in Microbiology
● Married to Vicencia Fernandez and had 10 children
● Died on September 13, 1988 at the age of 80
● CAREER:
– Assistant Professor in Agricultural Chemistry, in UP college of
Agriculture (until 1951)
– Associate Professor, Associate Chemist, and Associate Head of the
Department of Agricultural Chemistry (1951 to 1955)
– appointed as Chief Scientist of the Philippine Atomic Energy
Commission (1958)
– First Director of the Philippine Atomic Research Center (1960)
● AWARDS:
– “PHILSUGIN AWARD FOR RESEARCH” (1976)
– “CHEMIST OF THE YEAR AWARD” (1978)
– “DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD” (1980)
– “NATIONAL SCIENTIST” (July 1986)
Gavino Trono

Q AND A: Use of seaweed and how vital is his contribution to the country?

Carrageenan - extracted from seaweeds and can be used for numerous reasons. It is
vital in a sense that most canned, dairy, facial etc. products use carrageenan as a
preserver, emulsifier and thickening agent.

Report:
- He is a Filipino Marine Biologist known as the “Father of Eucheuma/
Kappaphycus Farming”.
Prof. Gavino C. Trono Jr
- He studied in the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City
- He graduated in the year of 1954 with a Degree in Botany
- He gained his Doctoral Degree in Marine Botany in the year 1961 from the
University of Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- He became a professor at the Department of Botany of the University of the
Philippines Diliman, and later at the UP Marine Science Institute in 1981.
- He is currently a Professor Emeritus of the Marine Science Institute
- He helped set the ground for algal studies in Southeast Asia with his pioneering
works.
- He described more than 20 new species and subspecies of algae and a red algal
species
- His other legacies include the establishment of the Gregorio T. Velasquez
Phycological Herbarium (country’s largest collection of marine algal materials, at the
Marine Science Institute)
- He served as the chair of the local organizing committee for the 16th
International Seaweed Symposium held in Cebu, Philippines in April 1998.
- He is also a pioneer in the application of seaweeds, including the development of
seaweed farms in the Philippines.
- He led the field surveys in western Mindanao that identified sites in Sakol Island
in Zamboanga and Tapaan Island in Siasi, Sulu for setting up the first commercial
seaweed farms for the red alga Eucheuma in the world in 1972.

Fr. Bienvenido Nebres

Q AND A :
What is his major contribution sa field ng science?

-He was able to contribute in generating research and also the development of math
and research education in the country.
-In 1972, the passion of Fr. Nebres led him to form the Mathematical Society of the
Philippines. It was the first professional organization in the country with the mission of
promoting math research education.

-In 1977, he became one of the founding officers of the Southeast Asian Mathematical
Society (SEAMS), and he served as the first president.

-He studied infinitary logics and model theory, and developed applications of the theory
to both analysis and algebra. He paved the way for Filipino mathematicians to conduct
additional research in graph theory and combinatorics. He pioneered a consortium of
leading universities in Manila to develop PhD programs in the field of Mathematics,
Physics, and Chemistry.
-Fr. Bienvenido Nebres took the lead in creating a long-term plan to enhance and
develop the science and math education in the philippines. He is considered as a
champion of educational reform. His tireless work in math education drew attention to
the urgent need for engagement with political and social stakeholders for true and
effective reform. Fr. Nebres paves the way for Filipino mathematicians to conduct
additional researches in mathematics. He chaired the Project Advisory Group for the
Engineering and Science Education Project (ESEP), which became the pioneering
large-scale education project in the Philippines that is dedicated in enhancing the
resources for science and technology education.

-Fr. Nebre is a former President of Ateneo De Manila University. He lasted for about 18
long years. He's actually the longest serving president of ADMU, history was extended
to lead the university through the completion of his key initiatives which is to improve the
quality of basic education. He led ADMU to engage the greatest challenges in our time
which is to close the competitive gap between Ateneo and its Asian neighbors, and
close the poverty gap between the rich and poor.