In my second year in undergrad, I made an appointment with Dr. Alcala as I was contemplating a career in marine biology. He informed me that to be successful in this field, I needed to get a SCUBA diving license, and pursue graduate studies (master’s and Ph.D.). Dr. Alcala eventually became my external adviser for my masters’ thesis, and opened the opportunity for Ph.D. studies for me when he hired me to be part of the Giant Clam project of the then-SU Marine Laboratory.
My earliest field memories with ACA was during the 1979 Smithsonian Expedition. At 5 o’clock every morning, he would go around our quarters banging a wok with a stone to wake up those who were still sleeping. He would not stop the “alarm clock” until all of us were awake, and ready for another day of diving. Lesson learned: When in the field with ACA, early to bed, early to rise. He starts his day earlier than most of us.
I also remember one day, I was struggling to close the accordion door at SUML. ACA saw me struggling, and helped me figure out how to close the stubborn door. Then he smiled, and teasingly told me, “That is why I have a PhD!” That comment made me determined to go get a PhD.
So now when our graduate students are caught in similar situations, I prod them to finish their degree by telling them how Dr. Alcala actually inspired me.
ACA and I had our mentor-student spats. He used to argue with me by commenting about the “unaesthetic seagrass beds versus the scenic coral reefs” — which he knew would provoke to me to defend my interest in seagrass. In one argument, he started to walk out on me, not giving me the opportunity to explain about the beauty and significance of seagrass beds. In my frustration, I just stuck my tongue out to him, but to my horror, he looked back at me, and caught me in the act! Then he just continued walking away, laughing hilariously. Another lesson learned: ACA always liked to argue, but in the end, he respects those who can hold his/her ground.
I also remember in his talks in campus, he would refer to my colleagues Nida Calumpong, Louella Dolar, and myself as his ‘Golden Girls’. Rest assured ACA, we will continue your legacy, and the lessons you taught us. You will be missed, and remembered always. — Dr. Janet Estacion, director, SU Institute of Environmental & Marine Sciences (formerly the SU Marine Lab)
A python whisperer. At about 8:30pm on Halloween night a few years back, an eight-foot python had found its way into our bedroom. Pulling back a box, there it lay, coiled like a large wedding cake on the floor. What is one to do but call a neighbor! A few houses down from us was Dr. Alcala, reputed to be a Python Whisperer. Unfortunately, at 89 years old that time, he could not run right over, but only gave the instruction: “Please do not kill it, I will be there in the morning.”
We did not think Dr. Alcala understood the gravity of our situation: having to sleep with a massive python right in our bedroom. We thought that waiting for the morning was not an option. Fortunately, with the help of other Silliman friends, we were led to a young man, Red Utzurrum, who could make his way to our house, and through the barangay tanods who had now assembled outside with sticks and bolos. Red skillfully captured the massive snake unharmed, and put it into an empty rice sack, and sealed with a knot.
Not wanting to offend our beloved neighbor and National Scientist Dr. Alcala, we kept the tied sack with the python inside in another room for the night.
Then sure enough, early the next morning, Dr. Alcala was outside our house wanting to capture the snake. We found it hard to break the news that it was already captured, but that we still didn’t know what to do with it. “Let me see it,” Dr. Alcala said.
I begged him not to open the sack inside our house, in case we encounter an angry snake accidentally escaping. Again, Dr. Alcala looked a bit disappointed. He then said, “Let’s take it for release!”
We were pleased with his suggestion, and hurriedly put the heavy sack in the trunk of the car, thinking we were headed for the mountains. But Dr. Alcala said, “Let’s go to the Marine Lab.”
As we entered the gate, he told the guards we have a big snake for the new environmental garden walk being constructed through the mangroves. (In his mind, he already had the vision of visitors strolling through the garden, and marvelling at a large python in the wild. He really had a different fear level than us mortals.)
As we made our way into the mangrove area, I could sense Dr. Alcala’s excitement — with my growing fear. He could not even wait to open the sack, and engage with the huge snake. He looked inside. “It is beautiful!,” Dr. Alcala said. Then he asked me to gently dump the snake out of the sack. It was a nightmare request. (But this was the National Scientist before me, I thought.) The snake tumbled out of the sack onto the ground, and did not move a bit.
Then it was Dr. Alcala’s moment: giving the python a second life.
He approached closest to it, and gave it a nudge. “Go! Go,” Dr. Alcala told the python. “You are free now!”
This time, our beloved Dr. Angel C. Alcala has been set free. He has now gone on to his second and eternal home. He leaves us with so many memories and lessons about loving and caring for all of God’s Creation, the animals, the ocean, and about giving of ourselves so that others may live and have life without harm. — Rev. Cobbie Palm & Dessa Quesada-Palm, neighbors at Silliman Park
I consider Dr. Angel C. Alcala as my academic father and mentor. Dr. ACA was the one who opened the door of marine mammal research for me. I am forever grateful for everything he taught me, in terms of scientific training, work ethic, academic discipline, and dedication to something that one is passionate about, and believes in.
His drive, amazing accomplishments, and tremendous contribution to science, especially in herpetology and marine biology, have inspired many. From Dr. Alcala’s example, I learned the importance of conservation, and speaking up for Nature and wildlife that have no voice to defend themselves.
I remember in one of our field trips to Lake Balinsasayao, he got so distraught when he saw that some gigantic trees had been felled, and replaced by banana plants in the middle of the forest. He immediately pulled out the banana trunks, and hurled them away. We followed suit, and pulled out the rest. He then explained to us how important forests are as a watershed and habitat for wildlife. He was not afraid to take action when defending Nature, whether terrestrial or marine.
Dr. ACA, as we fondly called him, had a soft side, and was fatherly sometimes. In our field biology classes, when we would still be chatting and giggling until late at night, he would walk around, and tell us softly, “Dong/ Day, tulog na mo kay sayo ta mangmata ugma!” He would also sometimes have Mrs. Alcala come along, who always brought us goodies and treats, which we very much appreciated.
Although tough regarding deadlines and quality of work, Dr. ACA never failed to tell the student if he/did did a good job. I remember him telling us: “Give me a chance to be proud of you.”
Despite the academic and professional accomplishments he had achieved, and the stature in society he had reached, Dr. ACA remained true to himself and his cause.
And now Nature has lost one of its champions. Dr. ACA, thank you for the legacy you left us; it will live on in the students whose lives you touched. — Dr. Louella Dolar-Perrin, Tropical Marine Research & Conservation, San Diego, California
By example, Dr. Angel C. Alcala taught us the meaning of reason, loyalty, faithfulness, industry, obedience, courage, and humility. Thank you, Dr. Alcala. May the Lord God reward you as His faithful servant on earth. — Celia E. Acedo, communication specialist/editor
My heart is with the Alcala family this time. Dr. Angel C. Alcala, my mentor and colleague, passed away yesterday at 93. ACA, as we all knew him, was a ferocious champion of Philippine coral reef conservation, and one of the founding fathers of Philippine Marine Science. He gave me my first job as a marine biologist (tracking growth in baby sea turtles) when I was a freshman Biology major. He was my father’s friend and dive buddy, and opened his world to the magic of coral reefs. He founded the Silliman University Marine Lab, and pushed his students and faculty to publish. He was difficult, demanding, and exacting, and ACA taught me that nothing less than the best you can do is acceptable. One story stands out in my mind because it reminds me of how single-minded and focused ACA was about his science: The summer Monett and I got married, I was working as a research assistant for ACA while I was planning my wedding. The Alcalas were, of course, invited, and I seem to remember he was one of our sponsors. Right after the wedding, I was later told that he came into the lab, and demanded to know where I was–he needed my data! Everyone started laughing, and someone finally said, “Sir, she’s on her honeymoon!” And ACA had the grace to look a bit sheepish.
He will be missed, and I wish him fair winds, and a calm sea. — Dr. Laurie Raymundo, director, University of Guam Marine Laboratory
I had the opportunity of working with ACA from 1992-1995 when he was Secretary of Natural Resources, and I was director of the ADB-DENR Low-Income Upland Communities Project. The full support he gave me and the project was beyond compare, especially during the most difficult times when one of our project engineers was held captive by rebels in Mindoro Oriental. After 45 days, our staff was released through the efforts of Secretary ACA. I can never forget his fatherly leadership support not only to me but to the entire staff as well. ACA is an icon of honesty, integrity, dedication, and passion to make a dent in the management of our marine resources and biodiversity. Rest now, sir ACA! You have lived your life to the fullest, and have left a legacy not only to the marine biodiversity world, but in the hearts of many people you have touched. My highest esteem and salute to Dr. Angel C. Alcala, professionally and as a person who showed a great fear of God. — Leila Peralta, project consultant
I worked as executive assistant at the DENR Office of the Secretary way back from the time of Sec. Fulgencio Factoran, and then Sec. Angel C. Alcala. What I remember about Secretary Alcala is that he was serious with the job he was mandated to do as DENR Secretary. The first thing he wanted to achieve was to make each and every DENR employee honest and committed to his/her duties and responsibilies. He wanted to stop corruption in the agency. He even forbid our clients from bringing Christmas gifts. As a good Christian, Secretary Alcala truly practiced what he was preaching. As a marine scientist, he selflessly shared his expertise, and encouraged his management team to experience Nature and field work, that even our Undersecretaries and heads of the different sectors became SCUBA divers. During Secretary Alcala’s term, the marine environment was given more emphasis, and several projects on coastal resources management were undertaken to preserve the marine flora and fauna. Dr. Alcala was a very simple, humble, and dedicated government servant. — Emy Aguinaldo, senior vice president, Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies Inc.
A scholar and an outstanding practitioner of science. A teacher who was ready to share what “modest things” he knows (his words) in service of people and planet.
A person of faith who saw the beauty and lushness of the world as God’s grace for humankind, which must be kept and sustained as an act of worship.
He was not easy to give up on what he sees is truth. In Vladivostok, his first international presentation on the link of coral reef health and fisheries abundance was questioned and assailed. But he has been since proved right. Today, his pioneering work on reef protection is among the recognized pillars of coastal marine conservation.
A friend to many. A mentor. An inspiration. — Dr. Ben S. Malayang III, former Silliman University president
A farewell to my inimitable mentor. “Write a good research proposal, and submit it to this funding agency (naming a specific agency). Let us hope it gets approved and funded.”
These were the words of Dr. Alcala that got me started into scientific research, and my life-long journey into the exciting world of science.
Before that, I dreamed of becoming a medical doctor, healing and saving lives. Dr. Alcala showed me that there is a planet needing to be healed and saved.
As an undergraduate student at Silliman, I only heard about Dr. Alcala as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences but never had any subjects taken under him, nor had any interaction with him. This was because I was in the Medical Technology program which was under the Biology Department at the time.
It was only when I took my Master in Biology when Dr. Alcala became my professor. His lectures were few but in between, he would assign us many books and articles to read, require us reports and review papers, and brought us to the field.
Field work took us to the cogonal areas of Siaton where he taught us how to identify and count birds. (Incidentally, that was where I got bitten by a baby cobra for which I was strongly scolded on the way to the hospital by an angry but concerned Dr. Alcala for wearing shorts in the field!)
Dr. Alcala also took us to the forests surrounding Lake Balinsasayao where he showed us the different soil types, and plant-animal interactions, including tree identification (“Look at this — this is a dipterocarp” etc., etc., etc.); to the coral reefs of Sumilon Island where he demonstrated how to manually remove the coral-eating ‘crown-of-thorns’ seastar; and to Bais Bay and Apo Island where we observed how to deal with fishers and communities. We now know the latter as the community-based approach to resource management which he pioneered. His knowledge of biology was vast, and he had an amazing memory.
During my first summer of grad school, he asked his students, me included, if we would be interested in assisting a group of American scientists who were on an expedition to the Philippines. I just learned how to SCUBA dive then, and was eager to put my newly-learned skill to work (while earning a few bucks on the side). We later learned that the scientists were from the world’s largest research center, Smithsonian Institution. He gave us the opportunity to work with the world’s top scientists!
During these expeditions, I was assigned to a seastar expert, then a sea spider expert, then a marine botanist. When I was working with the latter, I finally found the organisms I wanted to study — seaweeds!
I am forever grateful to Dr. Alcala for opening doors for us, and for connecting us to the experts and scientists. Even when we were still students, he would introduce us to his colleagues, making us feel important.
It is funny how many students pick some of the qualities of their teachers as they become teachers themselves, or when they work with their teachers as project staff or researchers. At the Institute of Environmental & Marine Sciences, graduate students often joke about this by attaching the teacher’s surname to the student. But I have not heard this done to any of Dr. Alcala’s students. That is because Dr. Alcala’s teaching style was so distinctive, incomparable, inimitable.
Working with Dr. Alcala has not always been easy, both physically mentally. He had the discipline of a soldier, and the energy of a 20-year old, even when he was 70. We, the research assistants, always got a scolding in the field since we slept late and woke up late. Even in his later years, Dr. Alcala was always in the Lab earlier than any of us. His publication output was phenomenal.
There were times we had differing opinions and opposing views. But one thing I appreciate about Dr. Alcala is that he always respected my views, and allowed me to grow in my chosen discipline.
At one point when he learned that I wanted to study seaweeds for my Master’s thesis, he exclaimed, “Why would you want to study weeds?!” But he quickly replied to his own question by saying how important plants are, and that there was a lack of expertise in that area, etc. Clearly, he had his own bias as a zoologist, and yet, he did co-author a paper on seaweeds.
He also fully supported my decision — he was in my Master’s thesis committee, and endorsed my application for faculty leave — to get a doctorate in Botany. When I returned, he gave me his full trust to head the SU Marine Laboratory as a research facility, and later on as an academic unit (now called the Institute of Environmental & Marine Sciences), offering both graduate and undergraduate degree programs in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, and Coastal Resource Management.
Thank you, Dr. Alcala, for sharing your brilliant mind with us. Each of those bits of wisdom you had imparted to us through your publications, presentations, and teachings is like a seed from a tree that has germinated. Rest assured that you have now grown a forest. ACA is a meme now, never to be forgotten. Rest in peace, my illustrious teacher. Farewell. Forever you student…. — Dr. Hilconida P. Calumpong, former director, SU Marine Laboratory
“Do, tabangi gyud amping ang atong fish sanctuary.” That was a very simple instruction from Dr. Angel Alcala, my mentor and old friend, who saved the life of our community and the entire environment of Apo Island. Dr. Alcala was the man behind the establishment of the first community-based marine sanctuary in the country, and it was Dr. Alcala who initiated the process that Apo Island will be under the NIPAS Law in 1994. His advocacy for the marine environment transformed me from a reef destroyer to a reef ranger. In the early 70s when Dr. Alcala would visit Apo Island, I remember he would just sleep on the beach, or in our old chapel when it rained. Sometimes he brought to Apo his black & white television attached to a tiny petrol generator. I was about six or seven years old that time, and we children at Apo were very curious that something like that existed. We would sit on the ground to watch television. It was our first time to watch television. More memorable was the documentary Dr. Alcala made us watch: it was about fishes and corals and the life of fishermen in the Philippines. And then after the program, he would explain to us what we just watched on television. We always enjoyed listening to what Dr. Alcala was telling us and our parents. May you have lasting peace, my idol. Salamat, salamat, ug salamat kaayo, Sir Alcala! — Mario Pascobello, barangay captain, Apo Island
Four years ago, I met my good friend Angel C. Alcala at the SU office in Manila. He proudly told me, “Cris, I am now 90 years old!” He spoke like it was an achievement to reach that ripe old age, a milestone in life. I replied humbly then: “I am only 86 years old.”
Now, my good friend Angel has passed away at the ripe old age of 93, to the next world, and I remain here at age 91.
There were numberless memorable moments I have shared with my good friend, Angel, dating back to when we were both administrators at Silliman in 1967, under Dr. Cicero D. Calderon, and taskmaster Quintin S. Doromal–Angel as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and I as director of the School of Communication. Angel was an excellent administrator, and I was not. I was more of a doer–would rather write, edit, and teach, than manage people.
It was during his time as dean that he co-founded with my wife, Dr. Florita S. Maslog, the SU Medical Technology program, now the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Last August, Angel wrote a letter of congratulations to the big reunion of Med Tech alumni, organized by my wife to honor the two Outstanding Sillimanians that year who were her former students.
I left Silliman in 1982 to venture into development communication at UP Los Baños. Angel remained until he was called to Manila by President Ramos to render national service as Secretary of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, and then as head of the Commission of Higher Education. Because of his work, and his research and community service to save our marine resources, he won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1992.
I would always see Angel in my activities in the College of Mass Communication every year in the last few years. I am grateful for his interest in the College that I started and nurtured over the years.
When he finally retired, he would go back to his roots in Dumaguete, and founded the Angelo King Centre for Research & Environmental Management where he worked until his dying day.
To our most esteemed friend Angel, we say Godspeed, as you travel to the next world. We hope there are seas where you can continue to scuba dive, and marine resources to research. Old scientists never die, they just fade away. — Dr. Crispin C. Maslog, Los Baños, Laguna
Dr. Angel Alcala was a very passionate teacher.
The first time I met him was in one of the Biology classrooms at the Science Building of Silliman University. I enrolled in his Ichthyology course that he took over from Dr. Annadel Cabanban while she was in Australia.He was the President of Silliman at that time.
In class, he never stopped talking about fish while writing on the blackboard using a chalk. (Back then, we didn’t have PowerPoint.) I can vividly recall one time when he was so engrossed explaining to us about fish that he didn’t realize he had already gone beyond the blackboard and just continued writing on the wall!
Dr. Alcala was also a very inspiring mentor, who had a very good sense of humor. When I was a graduate student, I knocked on his door at SUAKCERM looking for a job. He knew that I was previously assisting Dr. Hilconida Calumpong with algae and seagrasses. And he exclaimed, “What are you doing with algae? They have no sex life!”
From then on, he taught me how to identify fish. He assigned me to identify all his fish collections. Then one day, he brought me lizards and frogs. He said, “You should know everything!” I also tagged along as one of his research assistants under his Pew Fellows Project with Dr. Garry Russ.
From establishing marine protected areas in Aliguay, Selinog and Camiguin Islands, to monitoring fish catch in Apo Island, I learned from Dr. Alcala the needed skills in making friends with the fisherfolks, talking with them on matters concerning MPA establishment, fish stocks, and their livelihood; and eventually working with them as partners and being part of the local community.
Dr. Alcala encouraged me to study further on fish, with a serious reminder: “Fish is our primary resource; our country needs people who know fish.”
Today, one of my tasks is to teach Ichthyology to our budding marine biologists at the Institute (formerly the SU Marine Laboratory that Dr. Angel C. Alcala founded and built as a research facility).
My utmost gratitude to you, Sir! Your legacy will live on! — Dr. Aileen Maypa, SU Institute of Environmental & Marine Sciences
Back in 2016, I had the chance to witness an interview with Dr. Angel C. Alcala by Francisco “Paco” Guerrero at the whale museum. In his nature, Dr. Alcala was candid in the way he was answering the questions fielded to him, very eloquent and knowledgeable. As a bystander in that interview, it was a crash course for me in Environmental Science. I will always be grateful to Dr. Alcala for that moment. A serendipitous day it was. — Yvette Malahay-Kim, visual artist
My wife and I will always remember Dr. Angel C. Alcala for remaining to be a humble person. Even when he was already the Secretary of DENR, he gladly handcarried from Hawaii (where he paticipated in a meeting) a candlestand for my wedding — all the way to my wife’s doorstep in Cebu (where he had another speaking engagement). He was also instrumental in getting me interested in Biostatistics, and boosted my confidence in performing statistical analysis. I will always remember seeing my name for the first time in the acknowledgment section in one of his international publications, for having performed the statistical analysis. Like many of us whom he mentored, I will miss Dr. Alcala’s addressing me as ‘Do’ (maybe short for ondoy, the equivalent for inday). – Asst. Prof. Roy de Leon, SU Biology department
I was a Chemistry major in college so I was enrolled in one or two Biology classes under Dr. Alcala. I remember he would take us to the beach, and do some research on the shores of Dumaguete. I remember it was fun to be in his classes because he was a jolly person, teaching a hard subject and very serious about it, but he was jolly. For me, Dr. Alcala was one of my best professors because he made it easy for us to understand the hard science in his topics. After college and after I focused on my family’s businesses before joining politics, I would continue to meet my professor, Dr. Alcala, in several flights to Manila or in some meetings in Manila, and it was always an honor to meet him again. And he would always talk to me about the environment. Casual chats with Dr. Alcala were always about the state of the environment. Negros Oriental just lost a good man. The country just lost a true environment advocate. — Cong. Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria, 2nd District Negros Oriental
Someone once said that “True great men are never lost, as long as their ideals and goodness are passed on to others.” I would like to believe this is true for my father who has positively impacted many lives, including mine.
Growing up with a renowned scientist didn’t start early as my father gained prominence only after the 1990s when I was already a young man. Before that, I was merely his look-alike.
The earliest impression I had of my father as a growing child was more of a compassionate scientist who did a lot of field work and paper writing. He taught me a lot of things in animal handling and documentation, and has since then stuck with me — thus, my veterinary degree, and passion for research and documentation.
Like most fathers, Papa only wanted the best for me. During my growing years, he would often take me with him to the field where I learned to appreciate nature. When I took up hunting as a hobby, he gave me his old camera, and instructed my Uncle to teach me photo processing and photography — and that’s how I stopped hunting, and met my photogenic girlfriend.
Papa also sent me to the best schools to get a degree on Veterinary Medicine (although I suspect, he always wanted me to pursue Biology in the local University).
When my father became a multi-awardee and prominent scientist, a rhetorical question was raised in a group where I was present, asking my father which award he thought was most important to him. His answer was simply a sly smile and a twinkle in his eye. One of the researchers suggested that it would have to be the humble community award, by rationalizing that if a common person is positively impacted by a good deed, so will the greater population.
This logic appears to reinforce my father’s idea of a successful community-based marine and forest protection that is based on a premise that forests and the seas can also be protected by the locals when they feel the importance and future of their resources.
As a professional, my father never put pressure on me to do great things, and he never seemed to forget to acknowledge other people for supporting his success.
I remember that in November 2022, while on a visit, we had to keep redoing a recorded message for his latest Idlab Award, until he was satisfied that everyone was properly acknowledged.
My father lived to be of good age, and had shared his good works with others. This is the crux of his legacy that I can hold on, and hope to pass on to my children and grandchildren. — Dr. Ely “Popoy” Alcala, youngest son of Angel & Naomi Alcala