National Scientist Edgardo Gomez received honoris causa from DLSU
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For his pioneering works and invaluable contributions to marine biology, National Scientist (NS) Edgardo Dizon Gomez was conferred the honorary degree Doctor of Science during the 176th commencement exercises of De La Salle University (DLSU), held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last June 18.
“...as a marine biologist, my focus has been on our oceans and coasts, specifically the coral reefs and important invertebrates. Indeed, the focus on their conservation and my relative successes contributed largely to my being honored today with a Degree of Science, a distinction that precious few individuals obtain. Indeed, this is an unexpected honor, but an honor that vindicates my pursuing a career in marine biology and conservation...” NS Gomez mentioned in his commencement speech.
Invertebrate biology and ecology, true giant clam (Tridacna gigas) culture and restoration, and coral reef assessment and conservation are among the noteworthy contributions of NS Gomez that resulted in applications of public, industrial, and scientific significance.
He also led the world’s first national-scale assessment of coral reefs leading to international conservation initiatives such as coral reef rehabilitation.
In 1993, he was elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) as Academician and was conferred the Order of National Scientist in 2014. ~Ana Loren B. Durana
NAST PHL members and awardees among top scientists – Webometrics
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NAST PHL members and awardees were among the top ranking scientists in Philippine Institutions based on their Google Scholar Citations public profiles as reported by Webometrics, the largest academic ranking of higher education institutions.
During the second week of June 2016, Cybermetrics Lab collected data from the public profiles of researchers working in Philippine institutions as reflected through the Google Scholar Citations database. Among the top 453 profiles listed in the third edition of the ranking, National Scientist (NS) Lourdes J. Cruz and Academician (Acd.) Jurgenne H. Primavera ranked second and third, respectively. The academicians who made it to the top 20 were Acd. Antonio L. Dans (rank 7), Acd. Rodel D. Lasco (rank 13), Acd. Arsenio M. Balisacan (rank 14), Acd. Gisela P. Concepcion (rank 16), Acd. Allan B. Bernardo (rank 18), and Fernando P. Siringan (rank 19).
Outstanding Young Scientist awardees also secured spots in the list namely, Arnel Salvador (rank 4), Raymond Tan (rank 5), Arvin C. Diesmos (rank 9), Porfirio Alino (rank 12), Ernesto Pernia (rank 15), and Mary Ann Lansang (rank 17) while NS Gavino C. Trono Jr. landed on the 20th spot.
Webometrics publish a unique ranking of universities in every edition – a result of a careful investigation of a combination of indicators. Its data is generated by Cybermetrics Lab, which has been developing quantitative studies on the academic web since the mid 90s.
The ranking aims to promote academic web presence by supporting Open Access initiatives, electronic access to scientific publications and other academic materials. It also uses web indicators as proxies in the correct, comprehensive, deep evaluation of the university global performance, taking into account its activities, outputs, and their relevance and impact.Google Scholar (GS) is a free bibliographic database while Google Scholar Citations is a tool for setting up author profiles of individuals and their publications as covered by GS.
To view the full list, visit http://www.webometrics.info/en/node/148.
~Ana Loren B. Durana
NAST PHL holds S&T Policy Forum on the effects of climate change on Philippine marine resources
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The National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL) through its Biological Sciences Division (BSD) organized the Science and Technology (S&T) Policy Forum on Research Findings on the Effects of Climate Change on the Philippine Marine Resources on April 5, 2016 at the Hotel Jen Manila. The policy forum was conducted to (1) review and synthesize the recorded impacts of climate change on the Philippine marine resources and (2) make recommendations relating to their sustainable utilization and management.
National Scientist Mercedes B. Concepcion welcomed the participants from different government agencies, research institutions, and other organizations specializing on marine science and climate change. Academician (Acd.) Rhodora V. Azanza, chair of BSD and focal person of the forum, gave the opening remarks and the objectives of the policy forum.
The first speaker was Dr. Vincent V. Hilomen, project manager of the Marine Key Biodiversity Areas Project of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. His talk focused on the Philippine Fisheries and Biodiversity: the status of fisheries and biodiversity, potential effects of climate change, and the role of BMB in the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems. He pointed out that the increasing catch per unit effort (CPUE) on marine resources is due to seaweed culture. Thus, the current trend is in fact alarming considering that the commercial and municipal (fish/fishery) catches are actually declining. According to him, certain climate change impacts such as coral bleaching can shift species composition that would cause cascading changes in our biodiversity. With this, the BMB proposed a Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Rehabilitation Program to arrest the decline of ecosystems and increasethe total potential economic value of resource.