National Scientist Angel C. Alcala remembered for works on conservation of marine protected areas
National Scientist, Dr. Angel C. Alcala is a marine biologist, herpetologist, research advocate, civil servant, and an acclaimed scientist had passed on last February 01, 2023, at the age of 93.
As a well renowned scientist, he was recognized for his outstanding scientific contributions to the systematics, ecology, and diversity of amphibians and reptiles and marine biodiversity, reef fishes, and conservation of marine protected areas. His research and advocacy for marine no-take zones led to a national policy and program that established no-take marine protective areas all over the country and became a model of coastal resource management and conservation that many countries have adopted.
Dr. Angel C. Alcala
National Scientist, 2014
Academician, 2004
Dr. Alcala was born in Negros Occidental on March 1, 1929. He grew up in a family of ten siblings, him being the eldest. His family resided in Caliling, a coastal village in Cauayan of Negros Occidental, famous for its immaculate beach where Dr. Alcala’s connection to marine life began. He planned to take medical studies after completing a pre-medical course at Silliman University. However, due to financial constraints, he chose to stay at Silliman University and finished a degree in Biology.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology (magna cum laude) from Silliman University in 1951, his Master of Arts, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences from Stanford University in 1960 and 1966, respectively. He also received honorary doctorates from Xavier University and the University of Southeastern Philippines.
Dr. Alcala started as an Instructor in Biology at Silliman University to having various high-ranking positions, including Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Director of the Marine Laboratory, and eventually President of the University from 1991 – 1992. He founded the Silliman Marine Laboratory, which has been active in research on marine protected areas, fisheries and marine biodiversity, mariculture, and conservation of Philippine plant and animal species. His marine science publications consist of about 80 papers on coral reef fish, marine reserves, and the long-term effects of protection on marine biodiversities such as corals and top predatory fish. Most of these papers have been published in refereed, international journals and books.
In 1992, former President Fidel V. Ramos appointed him as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources where he initiated DENR’s program on marine conservation. He was also designated as the first Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) from 1995 to 1999, where he served with probity, integrity, and transparency. In addition, he promoted faculty capacity building and research projects to encourage research programs in colleges and universities.
Many of the remarkable awards NS Alcala received are the Likas Yaman Award by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in 1979, the Ilaw ng Karunungan Award for Biological Sciences by the Philippine Fulbrighters’ Association in 1983, The Outstanding Biologist for Region VIII by the National Science and Technology Authority in 1985, Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1992, Outstanding Men and Women of Science by the Department of Science and Technology in 2009 and Gregorio Y. Zara medal for Basic Science by the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science, Inc. (PhilAAS) in 2011, among others.
In 2004, Dr. Angel Chua Alcala was elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) as an Academician and was conferred the Order of National Scientist by virtue of Malacañang Proclamation No. 783 signed by the late President Benigno S. Aquino III on June 6, 2014, the highest recognition given to a Filipino man or woman of science in the Philippines who has made outstanding contributions in one of the different fields of science and technology. (30)
The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) created by Presidential Decree 1003-A (P.D. 1003-A) on 06 October 1976. It is the symbol of the nation’s commitment to science that is mandated to: (1) recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology as well as provide meaningful incentives to those engaged in Scientific and Technological Researches; (2) advise the President and the Cabinet on matters related to Science and Technology; (3) engage in projects and programs designed to recognize outstanding achievements in science and to promote scientific productivity; (4.) embark on programs traditionally and internationally expected of an academy of science and; (5) manage, operate and maintain the Philippine Science Heritage Center.
