Professor Emeritus Alcala Named National Scientist
The National Academy of Science and Technology has named Professor Emeritus Dr. Angel C. Alcala as National Scientist.
National Scientist is the highest award conferred by the Philippine government on a Filipino scientist.
Dr. Alcala is currently Trustee of Silliman University and former President of Silliman University. He is among the country's foremost experts in marine ecosystem conservation, pioneering the concept of community-based coastal resource management and the use of artificial reefs as models for fisheries development in the Philippines.
He has written over 200 books and publications, and often serves as reference for topics on community ecology, biogeography and systematics of Philippine amphibians and reptiles. His extensive research work has received numerous awards and distinctions in the country and abroad, including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1992 and the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation.
Dr. Alcala has served as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and later, as Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education. He is also often engaged by international development organizations as a consultant.
An Outstanding Sillimanian, Dr. Alcala obtained his degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology, magna cum laude, from Silliman University in 1951. He completed his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences at Stanford University in California in 1960 and 1966, respectively.
Dr. Alcala is the second National Scientist from Silliman. The first was the late Dr. Clara Y. Lim-Sylianco who obtained three degrees from Silliman: Associate in Arts major in Chemistry in 1947, with highest honors; Bachelor of Science in 1948, magna cum laude; and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1949, magna cum laude.
In the field of culture and arts, Silliman has produced two National Artists: Dr. Edith L. Tiempo in Literature and Mr. Eddie S. Romero in Cinema and Broadcast Arts.
