National Scientist Angel Alcala laid to rest in Dumaguete

HONORED The Philippine flag-draped casket of National Scientist Angel Alcala leaves Silliman University Church to be taken to his final resting place at Gardens Memorial Park in Dumaguete City on Friday, where he was honored with a 21-gun salute. Beside the casket is Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and Alcala’s widow, Naomi Lusoc-Alcala. —IRMA Faith PAL

DUMAGUETE CITY—The searing heat that followed a downpour didn’t stop close to a thousand people from attending the funeral of National Scientist Angel Alcala, a renowned expert on marine protection and conservation, on Friday.

He was given a 21-gun salute as he was laid to rest past noon at Gardens Memorial Park in this capital city of Negros Oriental province.

During the necrological service at the Silliman University Church and the state funeral organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the country’s scientists took turns extolling the virtues and recalling the pioneering accomplishments of Alcala throughout his professional career, which started when he was a master’s degree and doctoral student at Stanford University in the 1960s.

President Marcos, who was in Japan for a state visit, sent a written message that was read by Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun of the Department of Science and Technology.

In his statement, Mr. Marcos said the Philippines is not only mourning the loss of Alcala, but also “celebrating his life as an ardent scientist.”

Legacy

President Marcos said Alcala’s pioneering works are now paving the way for younger generations to learn their responsibility to the environment. He said because of Alcala’s works, more Filipinos now have a heightened awareness of the environment.

“Dr. Alcala always went beyond what was expected of him,” referring to the inroads he made as well as the first chair of the Commission on Higher Education, where he established centers of excellence and centers of development in universities around the country.

“Dr. Alcala achieved so much in 93 years because of his love of country,” the President added.

Alcala’s legacy, he said, encouraged Filipinos to find sustainable solutions to environmental problems. “Dr. Alcala has brought honor and pride to our country,” President Marcos said.

Members of NAST, who flew in from Manila, called Alcala a “hero of science” as his love for the environment was always reflected in his research works.

Losing a national treasure

Eufemio Rasco Jr., NAST interim president, likened the passing of Alcala at age 93 on Feb. 1 to “losing a rare national treasure.”

But Rasco said there was hope as the genes of Alcala continue to live in his six children, now in their senior years, his 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Alcala is survived by his wife of 70 years, Naomi Lusoc-Alcala, and his younger siblings.

Rasco said Alcala was prolific with his pioneering research studies in marine protection and conservation, but that his work is not complete.

He asked the country’s scientific community to follow in Alcala’s footsteps, and continue his campaign to establish more extensive networks of community-based marine protected areas (MPAs) that he pioneered at Apo Island off the coast of the town of Dauin—a model of which is showcased at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois.

He also urged the country’s educational institutions to include protection and conservation in their courses; and pleaded with academic researchers to direct their efforts to the applied sciences, especially studies on MPAs.

“Alcala’s life story is a good example of how a researcher can become a credible scientist and change-maker,” Rasco said.

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