Dr. Punongbayan: Scientist and Hero

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I’d like to thank Dr. Raymundo Punongbayan for being a great scientist. He’s name is forever associated to lahar, Mt. Pinatubo, and earthquakes. More importantly, he was a mentor to so many people, even to kids who needed answers about that fateful volcanic eruption in the early 90’s.

He was a role model to budding scientists: he was very generous in sharing his knowledge; he was passionate about his craft; and he was an expert in his field (he was recognized worldwide). Plus, his job was the most exciting professions I’ve encountered. Most importantly, he died doing what he loved.

In short, this geology professor, who I never met personally, but have seen countless times on television, inspired me to pursue the field less traveled. He gave a face to the word SCIENTIST. And he was a HERO.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of the young scientists, who as kids, watched him talking about volcanoes on national television. His accomplishments will forever challenge us to strive to be the best in our chosen fields. May we live up to match or better what he did before.

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