National Scientist

In utf8mb4_general_ci of his outstanding contributions and accomplishments in the field of phycology particularly on seaweed biodiversity, taxonomy and culture as a researcher and professor. He successfully developed pond and open-water culture technologies and management of stocks of economically important seaweed species of the Philippines such as Euchema/Kappaphycus, Gracilaria and Caulerpa and Sargassum which benefited seaweed farmers in coastal areas in the country. In his 40 years career as a scientist, he successfully implemented more than 25 locally and/or foreign-funded research projects which resulted to the production of 170 scientific and technical publications.

 

The two-volume books entitled “Field Guide and Atlas of the Seaweed Resources of the Philippines” are the most authoritative books on the seaweed floral resources of the country today. He served as technical consultant on aquaculture and seaweed research and development of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and as active member of the Commission on Ecology, International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). As a Professor Emeritus at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman, he is an active mentor to graduate students and research associates and still currently implementing projects on biodiversity as well as the culture technology development of other economic seaweed species.

 

Birthdate: November 11, 1931