National Scientist and Professor Emeritus Dr. Angel C. Alcala addresses around 1,100 college students on March 22 at the Silliman University Gymnasium. Of the total graduates, 87 are receiving Latin honors: 16 magna cum laude and 71 cum laude. The selection of Dr. Alcala as the Speaker of the 102nd Commencement Exercises reinforces the thrust of the University to pursue excellence in research and affirms its institutional commitment in further developing programs in science and technology. Dr. Alcala is one of the country’s foremost marine biologists. He holds international recognition for his pioneering works in artificial reefs and community-based coastal resource management. He was conferred a Ramon Magsaysay Award in Government Service in 1992, a distinction described as Asia’s version of the Nobel Peace Prize. A former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the first Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Alcala has published over 200 books and scholarly papers in the areas of community ecology, biogeography, and systematics of Philippine amphibians and reptiles. He is a recipient of numerous awards and citations, including the prestigious Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation. In 2008, the Department of Science and Technology named him one of the 50 men and women of science in the Philippines for the period 1958 to 2008. Six years later, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred on him the rank of National Scientist. Dr. Alcala obtained his degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology, magna cum laude, from Silliman University in 1951. He completed both degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences at Stanford University in California, USA in 1960 and 1966, respectively. He was President of Silliman University when he was invited by then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos to join his Cabinet in 1992 to head the DENR. On his return to the University, among his more notable contributions was the establishment of the Silliman University-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management. He currently sits as Member of the Board of Trustees of Silliman University. Continue reading...
