Dr. Porfirio M. Aliño, The Marine Science Institute (MSI) professor, was conferred the 2017 Pantas Award (Outstanding Research/Scientist category) by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST).
His citation reads “for his sustained commitment to research on coral reefs and associated ecosystems that provide relevance in the practice of sustainable development amidst the challenges of climate change, and for self-betterment as a scientist for the development of marine science in the country.”
The Pantas Award is given to outstanding scientists/researchers and research administrators who have made exemplary contributions for the advancement of agriculture, aquatic and natural resources in the Philippines.
Aliño, whose research interests are coral reef ecology, chemical ecology and ecological modeling, is touted as one of South East Asia’s top coral reefs scientist. He has authored over 100 academic papers on coral reefs published in refereed-ISI journals. He is likewise instrumental in the establishment of marine protected areas in various sites/areas in the Philippines.
In 2005, his book “Atlas of Philippine Coral Reefs” was recognized by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) – Philippines as the Most Outstanding Book.
For his significant works and contributions in marine chemical ecology, Aliño was elected Academician in the Biological Sciences Division of the NAST-Philippines in July 2014. In 2013, the James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, recognized Aliño as its most Outstanding Alumnus for his valuable contributions to ecological studies and coral reef research.
Aliño received the award during the 6th anniversary celebration of PCAARRD on June 28 in Los Baños, Laguna.