National Scientist Alcala’s MPA marker unveiled in Apo Island

The Angel C. Alcala Apo Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) Marker is unveiled to the public in memory of the national scientist’s contributions to the community.

The Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management (SUAKCREM) gathered community leaders and partners in Apo Island, the local government unit of Dauin, Negros Oriental, and members of the Silliman community for a ceremony unveiling the Angel C. Alcala – Apo Island Marine Protected Area (MPA) Marker on December 12, 2024, in Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental.

The Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (AIPLS) is the second MPA Dr. Angel C. Alcala established in 1982, the first being Sumilon Island, Cebu in 1973.

The ceremony was held in partnership with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources – Protected Areas Management Board (DENR-PAMB), Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (AIPLS), and the Municipality of Dauin.

The marker unveiling ceremony also marked the 42nd annual coral and fish survey at AIPLS, spearheaded by Dr. Rene Abesamis from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute and Dr. Aileen P. Maypa from the SU Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS).

Representatives from Apo Island and Silliman University pose after the unveiling ceremony. The event is spearheaded by the Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management (SUAKCREM) under the leadership of Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II (center-second left-front), SUAKCREM director.

Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II, interim executive director for Research, Innovation, and Publications (EDRIP) and concurrent SUAKCREM director, thanked residents of the island for their continued efforts in ensuring the protection of the island. He shared that the purpose of the marker is to remind everyone’s roles and responsibilities, be they residents of the island or scientists and educators.

The director also shared an anecdote about a photo he found at the late Dr. Alcala’s office dated 1981. In it is now SU President Dr. Betty C. McCann. Guino-o wondered what she was doing in Apo at the time.

Upon discovering that McCann, a social scientist, was part of the organization of the community in the island 40 years ago, Guino-o underscored the contribution of social scientists in this large-scale advocacy saying, “There’s an equal importance of social science because they connect us with the community.”

On August 9, 1994, Apo Island was declared a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) area under Presidential Proclamation No. 438, creating the island as Protected Seascape and Landscape. Today, the management is under the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

Dr. Rene Abesamis, who worked for the late Dr. Alcala for more than 20 years beginning in 2000 until his passing in 2023, spoke of the the marker as a “permanent reminder of the importance or the model that is Apo Island for community-based marine protected area management… a permanent reminder that this is a model.”

Apo Island is a role model not only for the Philippines but also the world. In the Philippines alone, according to Abesamis, the country now has more than 1,900 MPAs. It all started in 1974 in Sumilon as far as community-based organizing is concerned.

Sumilon was not as successful as Apo Island, and he hopes that this marker will remind everyone that Apo Island is a special place, “that the community did something special more than 40 years ago and should continue making the right decision.”

He also stressed the importance of long-term thinking that ensures the island remains protected while also being sustainable to fisherfolks.

“You’re still actively protecting the sanctuary and, hopefully, the next generation will do the same, thanks to the teachers,” he added.

Responses from the community

Members of the Apo Island Environmental Stewards Association (AIESA) pose after the unveiling ceremony.

In response, the community also spoke about Dr. Alcala’s contributions to the island.

Rosemarie S. Aldeon recalled that only sixteen people at the time understood the importance of protecting the marine area, thanks to Dr. Alcala. Blast fishing using dynamite and muro-ami used to be considered normal practices then, and Aldeon remembered the challenge in understanding the consequences of these practices to the environment. These 16 members were part of then Marine Management Committee (MMC), which is now the Apo Island Environmental Stewards Association (AIESA).

Prancia A. Candido, AIESA chairperson, believed that one of Dr. Alcala’s main contributions to the island was to instill unity among its residents in the protection of the island.

Enofre Elnar, Apo Island Snorkeling and Equipment Rentals and Guides Association (AISERGA) member, also talked about how the efforts of Alcala and SU inspired him to organize an association which aims to protect island guides like him and the marine area. It now has 263 active members.

Attendees gather around the veiled marker during its dedication.

Analie C. Regalado, Apo Island High School teacher and daughter of Candido, was witness to the developments of the island. As a public school teacher, she pledged to continue to educate students in the island to be stewards of the environment and become committed residents in the protection of the island.

Hon. Pinky Pascobello, 1st Councilor of Apo Island, in her message, said, “Today we honor not just the physical symbol but the legacy of a community and the partnership that have helped protect and preserve Apo Island’s marine ecosystem.”

The councilor also thanked the “researchers from SU and other institutions” who have helped the island become a global example of a successful marine conservation.

Residents of Apo Island pose after the unveiling ceremony.

Other participants

Representing the Alcala family were Gian Greisen Gloria, a public school teacher, who spoke about her memories with her grandfather; Asst. Prof. Michael Lawton R. Alcala, SU Biology Department chair; Francis Pantilag; Mia Kira Alcala; and Emily A. Layos.

Representatives of the Alcala family pose after the unveiling ceremony, including (left to right) Mia Kira Alcala, Asst. Prof. Michael Lawton R. Alcala, Emily A. Layos, Gian Greisen Gloria, and Francis Pantilag.

Anna Melody E. de Vera, Information Officer, represented the AIPLS – Protected Area Management Office/Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAMO/PENRO).

Dr. Greg Hodgson, a coral reef scientist, also attended the event, where he talked about one of his three marine conservation heroes, Dr. Alcala, whom he learned after his volunteering in the Philippines through the Peace Corps from 1979 to 1982 at the Bureau of Fisheries in Cebu.

Roxie Diaz, member of the survey team from the DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) hosted the ceremony.

Rev. Jonathan R. Pia, SU Church senior pastor, led the prayer of the marker’s dedication.

Meanwhile, select students from the IEMS, headed by Dr. Aileen P. Maypa, the Biology Department, and the Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CENTROP), through Asst. Prof. Leandro S. Cabrera, CENTROP coordinator, also attended the event.

Faculty and students of the Biology Department and the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) pose with Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II, SUAKCREM director (center-second left) and Dr. Rene Abesamis (center-third left-back) representing UP Marine Science Institute, pose after the unveiling ceremony.