The heroes in Kai and Paz: Remembering the man who brought
‘Fish for the People”
And honoring the works of his Ilongga-scientist wife
A Special Report by Florence F. Hibionada
He is the man behind the yet to be matched success of a locally-based coastal resources enhancement program that directly benefited the Province of Aklan and on a bigger picture, the Republic of the Philippines. To his credit are extensive studies and researches geared towards food security and sustainable livelihood development through dedicated advocacy on environmental-friendly aquaculture programs and coastal resource management here.
He is a professional, renowned in his field and respected by colleagues. He is a dedicated scientist who once shared his expertise in the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Tigbauan, Iloilo. He has similar vast experiences back in his country in Germany. He is also a volunteer for the ‘fishery-world’ in the Philippines. He was a professor in Humboldt-University in Berlin following years spent at the Hohenheim University in Stuttgart, Germany as a Ph.D. student and research assistant. He is also a fisherman and a Fisheries Engineer. Meet Dr. Kai Kuhlmann.
Because of a tragic incident 21 months ago, he is now the widow of an Ilongga wife, fellow scientist Ma. Paz Pangantihon - Kuhlmann and surviving parent of an only son.
The morning of June 29, 2005 in Barangay Cabugao, Batan, Aklan. The couple was repeatedly shot. Paz died protecting her husband from their assailant. She took the bullets aimed at finishing him, The murder and frustrated murder cases still pending to this day. Since January 10, 2007 the hearing of the case are suspended.
“It is really difficult for us to accept this because it would mean that justice will be delayed and I pray not denied.” Dr. Socorro Pangantihon, the victim’s sister said.
In an incident report, the Aklan Provincial Police Office disclosed gunshot wounds sustained by Kai on his face and stomach. Paz instinctively used her body to shield her husband from further injuries thereby getting shot on the chest and various parts of her body. Kai survived after several surgeries. Paz died on the spot.
Twenty-one months to that horrifying incident and some 15 years into the couple’s work and contribution to the country’s coastal management efforts, colleagues and beneficiaries of the duo’s efforts echo calls for justice, and sends anew messages of gratitude.
Raul Roldan of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) wrote of how Kai and Paz showed clear vision of the career paths they intended to pursue “and how best to help the fisheries sector.”
Alfredo Isidro of the Growth with Equity in Mindanao project of the USAID was all praises on Paz while saying her name was also synonymous to “Peace.” And they fondly call her that, Paz or Peace.
Kai according to a former colleague in SEAFDEC Maria Lourdes Cuvin-Aralar wrote of him as a scientist “who decided to share his talent and time to serve. His is a nurturing nature as evidenced by the type of work he decided to embark on: That of rehabilitating depleted coastal resources to build a better life, not destroy a life.”
Similar sentiments shared by grateful people and officials of the towns of Guiuan, Quinapondan, Giporlos, Balangiga, Lawaan, Mercedes and Salcedo of Eastern Samar.
Paz for her part left notable works in the University of the Philippines (UP) Aquaculture Society, Inc. and the UP in the Visayas community. To her credit were studies done as Junior Fishery Biologist, Research Assistant, Consultant, Associate Researcher and conscientious scientist.
In her name were contributions done that developed the framework and formulation of the country’s developmental program for fisheries research and extension such as four-year study of the National Fisheries Research Program in the early 90s.
Paz also dedicated her time to assist in the conduct of a timely research that sought answers on the implication of coastal fisheries management to biology, ecology and politics.
Other works continued in her memory are researches done on High Stocking Density Rearing of Chanos chanos Forsskal Larvae and Pond Culture of Tilapia among others.
Town mayors, vice mayors and officials crossed party lines to manifest their support to the continued works began by the couple in their province. Even police chiefs manifested their gratitude and acknowledged the impact left by Kai and Paz here.
He brought ‘Fish for the People, ’ the Filipino people that is. Reason why grateful locals of coastal communities in Aklan, Eastern Samar and Iloilo join his family and the family of Paz in remembering the couple’s works as the message of gratitude is sent his way.
Fish for the people. Peace to these people.
The Kuhlmanns remembered.
The News Today
March 14, 2007
