By Christian Dee
MANILA, Philippines – Silliman University has confirmed the passing of the former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Dr. Angel Chua Alcala on Wednesday, February 1.
The said university shared the remarkable contributions of the late DENR chief as “a scientist, administrator, trustee, professor, morally upright family man, and a public servant” in a statement posted in their social media.
“To the country and to the world, Dr. Alcala is an acclaimed biologist and conservationist. He is known for his pioneering work in establishing marine protected areas in the Philippines, which protects marine ecosystems and promotes sustainable fishing; the concept of community-based coastal resource management in the promotion of marine biodiversity; the use of artificial reefs as models for fisheries development in the Philippines; and his extensive research on Philippine amphibians and reptiles since the mid-1950s, which led to the discovery of 50 additional species out of the 400 known species in the country,” SU said in a statement.
“He has been recognized nationally and internationally for his extensive research and conservation work, including being named a National Scientist in 2014 for his contributions to Philippine biological sciences; being awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1992; being named an ASEAN Biodiversity Hero in 2017; being among the 11 notable Filipino alumni inducted into the first-ever Fulbright Philippines Hall of Fame; and the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation,” the university added.
Alcala graduated as magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree in 1951 in Silliman University, where he has always been one of the most renowned role models for the students of the said university.
After this, he pursued his further studies on Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences at Stanford University in California, which he completed in 1960 and 1966 respectively.
The late scientist also became a professor in his alma mater and served as the dean of College of Arts and Science, a director in Marine Laboratory, which is now known as the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences.
In 1991 to 1992, Alacala became the 9th president of Silliman University.
The establishment of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences in 1974 is one of his remarkable contributions to the university with his colleagues.
“Dr. Alcala remained active in SU as a Professor Emeritus, Board of Trustees member, and chairman of the Board of Advisers of the SU-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management,” said SU citing Alcala’s last years.
“Dr. Alcala’s work and service, for and with SU, have greatly contributed to SU being the Christian higher educational institution it is today. Without Dr. Angel C. Alcala, SU would not have been able to make the same impact. For these, SU will forever be grateful,” it added.
The university puts its flag at “half-mast” as an honor to the former SU president.