STATE FUNERAL. Army soldiers convey the coffin of the late National Scientist Dr. Angel Alcala to his final resting place at the Gardens Memorial Park in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Friday (Feb. 10, 2023). President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in his eulogy that the late Alcala will be remembered for generations for his legacy and contributions to the field of science. (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday hailed the late National Scientist Dr. Angel C. Alcala for his contributions to the country in the field of science and called him “hero” of the country’s natural resources.
Marcos was not present during the state funeral accorded to Alcala, who was named a National Scientist during the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III in 2014.
Marcos' eulogy for the 94-year-old Alcala was read instead by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Maridon Sahugun.
“We mourn the loss of one of our nation’s brightest minds in the field of science but we also celebrate the life of a great man, whom we have the great fortune of sharing time with, in this brief life of ours,” Marcos said.
Alcala died on Feb. 1. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Silliman University at the time of his death. He also once was the president of the university and held various positions on campus in the field of research.
The scientist, he said, will be remembered as a great scientist, ardent researcher, passionate educator and effective leader.
The Chief Executive noted that Alcala’s extensive research, specifically on marine biology, has been recognized locally and internationally, giving younger generations awareness of environmental and marine protection and conservation.
“His major contribution to the country’s marine development and ecology paved the way for younger generations to have a greater awareness of protective environmental practices, marine conservation, and the discovery of new species,” he said.
Marcos also said that many Filipinos now have a “heightened consciousness of sea protection” which resulted in livelihood and tourism opportunities along coastal communities.
"His legacy will live on and inspire the rest of the people," he said.
Alcala was known for being the father of marine protected areas (MPAs), having introduced the concept in the country with more than 1,000 of them established across the country.
The 2014 National Scientist believed that the MPAs would increase the fish catch for fishermen, especially those marginalized, and at the same time allow the reversion of depleted fisheries.
Apart from his involvement in marine biology, Alcala also participated in the study of herpetology, or the study of amphibians and reptiles in the Philippines.
In fact, a few discoveries led to giving scientific names to these animals after him. He was also widely recognized for his research related to coral reefs.
Alcala served as the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from 1992 to 1994 under the late President Fidel V. Ramos, then the first chairman of the Commission on Higher Education.
In 1992, he was a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for “pioneering scientific leadership in restoring and protecting coral reefs” in the Philippines.
Alcala is survived by his wife of 70 years, Naomi Lusoc Alcala, and the families of their children, Angelo, Estrilda, Moses, Emily, Grace and Ely.
The national scientist was laid to rest at the Gardens Memorial Park in this capital city with a state funeral accorded him by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Military honors included a 21-gun salute and the playing of the taps. (PNA)
