MANILA: A horticulturist who made mangoes available all year round and a former environment secretary who paved the way for the creation of marine reservation areas were among four men honoured as National Scientists yesterday.
In ceremonies held at Malacañang Palace, President Aquino conferred the Order of National Scientist on Gavino Trono (marine botany), Angel Alcala (biological sciences), Roman Barba (horticulture) and Edgardo Gomez (marine biology), all doctors of philosophy.
The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) endorsed the four to Aquino.
Trono paved the way for the implementation of 45 research projects and the identification of 25 new species of marine benthic algae or seaweed that benefited thousands in coastal communities.
He was first to report the occurrence of “ice-ice” disease among seaweeds. He led a team in a field survey and assessment of coastal areas in Western Mindanao, which identified sites in Sakol Island in Zamboanga and Tapaan Island in Siasi, Sulu where the commercial seaweed farms were established in 1972.
Trono was instrumental in the development of degree programmes in the marine and biological sciences, mentoring students and in promoting seaweed research and sound coastal resources management. His strong advocacy on the culturing of seaweeds as the most environment-friendly and productive livelihood for fishermen has earned him many awards and citations.
Alcala, for his part, is an advocate of marine “no-take zones,” or marine reservation areas. He served as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from 1992 to 1995 and as chairman of the Commission on Higher Education from 1995 to 1999.
His studies on marine no-take zones had led to a national policy and programme on the establishment of marine reservation areas.
No-take marine reserves allow the build-up of marine biodiversity including fishery species as well as export adult fish to areas outside of marine protected areas used as fishing areas thus enhancing fish yields of fishers.
The Philippine star
