;iCI1l1\r t~th;f tlf tIp). ~"rthtf\!. SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE ) Second Regular Session ) '14 OCT 22 P2:21 ,

SENATE

PS Res. No. 981

Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA

RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. ANGEL ALCALA, DR. GAVINO TRONO AND DR. FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE COUNTRY PARTICULARLY IN MARINE BOTANY, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, HORTICULTURE AND MARINE BIOLOGY ,

! WHEREAS, Dr. Angel Alcala, Dr. Gavino Trono and Dr. Edgardo Gomez, along with Dr. Ramon 8arba, honored for his contributions in the micropropagation of key crops, were qonferred the Order of National Scientist, the highest national recognition for involved in sciences and technology, by President Benigno Aquino II! last August 12, 2014;

WHEREAS, Dr. Angel Alcala made remarkable contributions to science with his works on marine biodiversity particularly in the conservation of coral reefs. His thorough research produced more than 160 scientific papers and books. He also developed the first community-based program creating artificial coral reefs which became the model for other fisheries development programs in marine reserves in the Philippines such as the Apo, Sumilon, Carbin and Pamilacan reserves;

WHEREAS, Dr. A'icala is also the first Filipino to do the most comprehensive and extensive studies. on amphibians and reptiles. His fieldwork from 1954 to 1999 paved way to the additional 50 new species of amphibian reptiles out of the 400 known species;

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WHEREAS, Dr. Gavino, Trono made significant contributions in tropical marine phycology particu,larly focusing on seaweed biodiversity, biology, ecology and culture. Dr. Trono] is a pioneer in studying the "ice-ice" disease that has affected seaweed farms. ~e also led the assessment of numerous coastal areas in Western Mindan

WHEREAS, Dr. Trono wrote the two-volume book, "Field Guide and Atlas of the Seaweed Resources of the Philippines" which is considered as the most authoritative book on seaweed and resources in the country today;

WHEREAS, Dr. Edgardo Gomez made notable contributions to science on his research on marine ecosystems particularly in giant clam culture and restoration and conservation. His work became the basis for the management and conservation programs in the country's marine resources; WHEREAS, Dr. Gomez did the world's first national-scale assessment of damage to coral reefs which led to worldwide conservation initiatives such as the International Coral Reef, Global reefs and Risk Analysis, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network;

WHEREAS, the innovations by Dr. Alcala, Dr. Trono and Dr. Gomez in their respective fields: exhibited Filipino ingenuity in the field of science and technology. The applications of their studies added to the growing knowledge in field and have enriched the lives of many Filipinos;

I NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Senate of the Philippines commend and give due recognition to Dr. Angel Alcala, Dr. Gavino Trono and Dr. Edgardo Gomez for their outstanding contributions to science and technology in the country particularly in marine botany, biological sciences, horticulture and marine biology.

Adopted.

~,.~vRSONNYANGARA