Filipino fisheries scientist honored

MANILA, Philippines - The oldest living Filipino fisheries scientist was honored last week by two prestigious organizations for his exemplary accomplishments and contributions to the fisheries sector.

Herminio Rabanal, 96 and a native of Barangay Bisocol, Alaminos City in Pangasinan, was feted at a testimonial dinner by the Society of Aquaculture Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (SAEP) and the Philippine Aquaculture Society, Inc. (PAS) for his outstanding leadership and devoted service.

The organizations cited “his laudable accomplishments as prime mover and organizer, his distinguished leadership and dedication in undertaking sustainable activities to achieve the goals and objectives of the Society of Aquaculture Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (SAEP) and the Philippine Aquaculture Society, Inc. (PAS), from 1985 to present and from 2000 to present.”

In his acceptance speech, Rabanal called for the involvement of the education sector and government bureaus engaged in fisheries and aquaculture for continued support “so we can realize our desire and objectives to promote the industry.”

He always believed that education is the key to progress of a country and those in the fisheries sector must constantly seek higher education.

Rabanal finished his Bachelor of Fisheries (Fish Culture) at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in 1940; his Master in Science (Marine Biology) at Harvard University, Massachusetts in 1948; and his Ph. D. (Fisheries Management) at Auburn University, Alabama in 1960.

After graduation from college and graduate studies, he worked in various agencies, both in the Philippines and abroad, including the National Museum, the Bureau of Fisheries, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy.

Rabanal has written numerous technical, semi-technical and popular papers on aquaculture, fisheries biology and related subjects. Because of his expertise in fisheries, Rabanal became a member of several scientific societies and organizations, both locally and internationally. He has also received many awards for his distinguished contributions to the development of fisheries in the region.

In 1999, he donated his collection of books, pamphlets, leaflets, journals, reprints, and papers to the SEAFDEC-AQD Library, in the belief that “information should not be kept rotting in a cabinet but rather, it should be made accessible and utilized.”