96-year old Pangasinense honored for a ‘fishy’ life
DR. HERMINIO Rabanal’s more than half a decade of career devoted to fisheries development has earned recognition among his peers and revitalized the soul of the retired 96-year old scientist.
As he received his award last Monday from the Society of Aquaculture Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (SAEP) and Philippine Aquaculture Society, Inc. (PAS), Rabanal underscored education as key to progress and called for more support to the aquaculture industry’s development.
Rabanal, a native of Alaminos City, earned his Bachelor of Fisheries (Fish Culture) from the University of the Philippines, Diliman in 1940.
He worked in various positions since 1941, including as assistant curator of the Fish Collection of the Museum Division, Department of Commerce; fish culturist and Dagat-Dagatan Experimental Station, Bureau of Fisheries.
He completed his Master in Science (Marine Biology) at Harvard University, Cambridge, in 1948 and his Ph. D. (Fisheries Management) at Auburn University, Alabama, USA in 1960.
Among his various local and international postings included one in Italy as Fishery Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
INFORMATION ACCESS
Before he reitred, he donated in 1999 his collection of books, pamphlets, leaflets, journals, and papers to the SEAFDEC-AQD (Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department) Library in the belief that “information should not be kept rotting in a cabinet but rather, it should be made accessible and utilized.”
Throughout his career, Rabanal authored and co-authored a total of 208 publications on aquaculture, fisheries biology and related subjects.
The plaque of recognition signed by SAEP president Dr.Westly Rosario, PAS president Dr. Joebert Toledo and Dr. Catalino Dela Cruz, treasurer of both groups, reads: “In sincere and honorable acknowledgment of his) laudable accomplishments as prime mover, organizer, 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, respectively, which are both organizations of the aquaculture and fisheries entrepreneurs, extensionists, teachers, researchers, scientists and professionals from the government, academe and private sectors in the Philippines”.
Rabanal who received many awards in his active years, said this latest one was unexpected and he was glad to receive it in “present condition of an advancing age”.
His daughter, Andrea Rabanal-Sison said, “He was suddenly energized.”—Eva Visperas
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