Professor Emeritus Alcala Named Outstanding Negrense

Professor Emeritus Dr. Angel C. Alcala was named Outstanding Negrense by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental during its 115th Cinco de Noviembre celebration. 

Dr. Alcala, who traces his roots to Sitio Calaogao, Barangay Caliling in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, was cited for his work in environmental management. He was honored along with four other recipients at the Capitol of Bacolod City. 

An internationally acclaimed scientist, Dr. Alcala is currently Member of the Board of Trustees of Silliman University. He was appointed President of Silliman in 1991, and later joined public service when he was invited by then President Fidel V. Ramos to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as Secretary. Following his post at the DENR, he became Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education. 

Dr. Alcala is a recipient of prestigious awards and fellowships, two of which are the the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service and the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. Early in 1988, Silliman named him Outstanding Sillimanian in Biological Sciences. 

Among his pioneering works in the Philippines are the use of artificial reefs and the concept of community-based coastal resource management in the promotion of marine biodiversity. 

Dr. Alcala earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, magna cum laude, from Silliman in 1951. He obtained his MA and PhD in Biological Sciences from Stanford University in 1960 and 1966, respectively.