Edgardo Gomez

Edgardo D. Gomez
Born (1938-11-07) 7 November 1938
Nationality Filipino
Alma mater De La Salle University, St. Mary's University of Minnesota
Occupation Biologist
Awards National Scientist of the Philippines

Edgardo D. Gomez, Ph. D. (born November 7, 1938) is a Filipino biologist who was conferred the rank of National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014.[1][2] He is a professor emeritus for marine biology at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

Education and career

Gomez obtained his bachelor's degree in education, major in English and Social Science (summa cum laude) from De La Salle University, his master's degree in Biology as a Fulbright Travel Grantee from St. Mary's University of Minnesota and doctorate degree in Marine Biology from University of California in San Diego.[3] He was the founding director of the Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines upon his return in 1973 after his doctorate studies.

Contributions

As an archipelago with vast marine resources, Gomez saw the need to protect Philippine resources in particular to coral reefs. He led the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage to coral reefs leading to international conservation initiatives such as replanting of corals.[1][4] He also pioneered giant clam (Tridacna gigas) breeding stationed in Bolinao and other protective areas for coastal communities of the Philippines.[1][5]

Additionally, he took part in creating the baseline map of the Philippine, and he provided information to the Philippine government for its reference in talks over the territorial disputes in the Spratly Islands.[1] In 2007, he pioneered the study on ocean acidification caused by increased levels of absorbed carbon dioxide in the ocean.[4]

Gomez was conferred the rank of National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014 by Benigno Aquino III, the President of the Philippines. This award has been made to just over thirty leading scientists and this gives them a pension of life as well as a seat at important national ceremonies. The confirmation ceremony took place at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace and it was awarded for his research and conservation efforts in invertebrate biology and ecology on 12 August 2014.[1]

Awards and recognition

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Sabillo, Kristine Angeli (August 12, 2014). "Who are the 4 new National Scientists of PH". Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  2. ↑ "National Scientist Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez". UP Marine Science Institute. August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Gomez, Edgardo D.". National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines. Archived from the original on August 27, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  4. 1 2 Pazzibugan, Dona (September 14, 2014). "Sea lover with positive attitude sees hope for reefs, marine life". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  5. 1 2 Plata, Karen. "Great Leaders in Our Midst". Retrieved August 25, 2014.
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