Alcala named Asean biodiversity hero

MANILA, Philippines - A former secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was named as one of the 10 ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes at inaugural awarding rites held in the country recently.

Angel Alcala, lone awardee from the Philippines, is a marine biologist who was proclaimed National Scientist in 2014 and served as DENR secretary from September 1992 to June 1995. He is currently a professor emeritus at Silliman University in Dumaguete City.

The 88-year-old Alcala was cited for his contribution to combating biodiversity loss, notably for creating artificial coral reefs that helped boost the country’s aquatic ecosystem.

All the awardees were recognized for raising greater awareness about biological diversity in the region and supporting ASEAN’s vision of being a single community that champions biodiversity conservation.

Other honorees were Eyad Samhan (Brunei); Sophea Chhin (Cambodia); Alex Waisimon (Indonesia); Nitsavanh Louangkhot Pravongviengkham (Laos); Zakri Abdul Hamid (Malaysia); Maung Maung Kyi (Myanmar); Leo Tan Wee Hin (Singapore); Nonn Panitvong (Thailand), and Dang Huy Huynh (Vietnam).

The awarding ceremony was held at the New World Manila Bay Hotel.