FeaturesSpeechAppreciate, protect and conserve our natural resources

Appreciate, protect and conserve our natural resources

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

 
 
By Moses L. Alcala

Acceptance speech delivered during the 2019 Outstanding Sillimananian Awards where the author, now based in New Jersey, USA, was recognized for his efforts in the field of Applied Environmental Geology.

President McCann, BOT Chairman Baldido, members of the Board of Trustees, SAAI President Jenny Delorino, Alumni Director Bokingo, Reverend Capulong, Deans and Directors, previous OSA awardees, fellow awardees, friends, and family….

I’m looking at this list of OSA awardees, and realize that I’m the only one without a “Dr.” or a “Rev.” before my name. So it is indeed humbling and a great honor to be in the company of these five other outstanding alumni who have dedicated their lives and careers to community service, professional excellence, and God’s calling.

A big thanks to the University and the OSA Selection Committees for recognizing my work and life that’s been guided by Silliman’s Via, Veritas, Vita.

In reality, I have Silliman to thank for providing a wholesome Christian education, and for molding me professionally and spiritually.

My Silliman experience has made me what I am, and has guided me throughout my career. I must admit that even though I spent most of my college years at the University of the Philippines where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree, my heart always belongs to Silliman.

My abundant thank yous to Mr. Bokingo and the Office of Alumni & External Affairs for efficient communication during the OSA application process, and the organization of this convocation. I would be remiss not to mention my gratitude to the OSA Committee, and officers and members of my alumni chapter of New York-New Jersey. Our group consists of hard working professionals, many of whom have dedicated their lives to professional excellence and service to others, making them truly outstanding Sillimanians, even without the OSA title.

My deepest gratitude to several good people of exemplary lives and careers who have supported me and encouraged me to go through the nail-biting OSA selection process: Rene, Dely, Vangie, Roberto, Rowena, Oswald and Tenette, Susan, Willy, Marisa, Gary, Louella, Eric, and many others.

A big “thank you” to the brothers and sisters of my favourite campus organization, the Pan Hellenic Society, an organization of service-oriented intellectuals; and to my high school teachers and SUHS class of 1975 which never ceases to entertain me on Facebook, and remind me of the good old days at SUHS.

And of course, I would not be here without the indefatigable support of family. My wife Mylene is here with me, and has steadfastly supported me throughout my career. Her former professors at the S.U. College of Nursing should be very proud of how she’s turned out to be: a dedicated RN with special skills as an ICU nurse in New York City.

My deepest thanks to Mama and Papa [Naomi & Dr. Angel C. Alcala]. Their sacrifice and love, bringing up six children, including me with my middle-child syndrome, was not easy.

I know that because I have three kids myself, and I can say: it is “totally” stressful.

I thank my parents for the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual guidance as I was growing up. They are my models in life.

My two brothers and three sisters have provided me with loving support. Growing up with five siblings taught me the virtues of sharing, unconditional love, and all the social skills needed in life, including the art of negotiation.

And special thanks to my aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who continue to show their love and support.

In my 29 years as environmental consultant, I have investigated or cleaned up more than 300 sites in the states of New York and New Jersey, and have authored and co-authored over 400 technical reports, many of which involve cases with contaminated soil and groundwater.

As Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP), I am tasked with performing the work of many professionals all rolled into one.

As an agent of the state of New Jersey, I act as regulator to ensure compliance with government regulations. I am also the consultant of the property owner, so I advocate on behalf of the owners as well. Which causes conflict. And I try to save them some money.

As environmental engineer, I design and implement systems that clean up the environment. Still, I have to act as lawyer since I must know and apply the government regulations that property owners need to comply with.

Last but not the least, I act as accountant and bill collector: handling the client’s budget or state funds granted to a property owner. And the state requires me to ensure that their fees are paid by the responsible party.

Thus, the job of an LSRP is highly-stressful, and one that is prone to conflicts. And by the way, only about 30 percent typically pass the State’s very difficult test for LSRP licensing. Many consultants with many years of experience normally fail this test, and when they do, they’d fail the state audits.

This Outstanding Sillimanian Award for me is not a culmination, but a commencement of things I’d rather do in life: to share my knowledge for the betterment of my home country and hometown.

As an environmental geologist with training and experience in the U.S., I aim to help improve the quality of life in this country, in whatever small ways I can.

One thing I like to preach is that we should never take for granted our natural resources which many other countries don’t have, or don’t have enough of.

For example, I believe that our water resources in Negros are still sustainable. But we need to appreciate, protect, and conserve such natural resources that the good Lord has provided this island.

br />

(Back to MetroPost HOME PAGE)


 

 

Latest news

City budget is dead  — Dgte Council

    Perdices resigns as Finance Committee chair “The Motion raised by Councilor Baldado for the approval of the 2025 annual...

Comelec to put LGUs  in ‘yellow’ alert

    Majority of the cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental are likely to be placed under ‘yellow’ category for the...

Who wins?

    The City Council’s Friday special session was meant to be about one matter: approving the 2025 annual budget of...

Canlaon completes P12M infra

    despite eruption The local government of Canlaon City turned over this week more than P12 million worth of infrastructure projects...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

Coop budgets P9M for CSR

    The Perpetual Help Community Cooperative, Inc. has lined up projects this year for its community development program in Negros...

PNP augments force for May polls

    The first batch of augmentation force from the Philippine National Police that will assist in disaster response, and perform...

Must read

City budget is dead  — Dgte Council

    Perdices resigns as Finance Committee chair “The Motion raised by...

Comelec to put LGUs  in ‘yellow’ alert

    Majority of the cities and municipalities in Negros Oriental...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you