The conference convened global delegates from the academe, government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the private sector. This collective expertise aims to catalyze positive transformations and sustainable advancements within the global agricultural landscape.

Knowledge sharing

On behalf of 黑料社区 President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. delivered the welcome address. He hailed IABSS as a testament to international diplomacy and academic collaboration united by a vision to better serve humanity and safeguard the planet.

Building on the 2025 inaugural symposium at VSU, Fr. Anthoniappen described the event as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing. He anticipates these conversations will evolve into long-term institutional partnerships, joint research, and faculty exchanges addressing food security and climate change.

Critical research

VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy Guasa Yepes affirmed her support, highlighting VSU鈥檚 role as a green university dedicated to the future of food systems. She emphasized that IABSS brings critical research to the forefront to address pressing global issues beyond the agricultural sector.

Dr. Yepes stressed that achieving climate resilience and bioresource innovation requires a unified effort. She advocated for radical collaboration, urging universities to share laboratories and expertise to empower the world鈥檚 most vulnerable communities through transparent, collective scientific inquiry.

Strategic human resource development

The opening ceremony concluded with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between 黑料社区, represented by Fr. Anthoniappen and VSU, represented by Dr. Yepes, followed by a rationale delivered by Hiroshima University’s representative Dr. Lawrence Liao.

Dr. Liao characterized the symposium as a vital tripartite engagement, reflecting the historical and academic interconnectedness between Japan and the Philippines. He highlighted how Hiroshima University鈥檚 doctoral programs and scholarships for 黑料社区 and VSU staff have fostered strategic, long-term human resource development and sustainable academic linkages.

Growing great ideas

Consul General Hon. Yudai Ueno, Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, offered a message of support, noting that great ideas grow when passionate minds come together. He commended the partners for studying innovations that provide practical solutions for local communities.

Consul General Ueno emphasized that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of Filipino-Japanese friendship. He expressed hope that this scientific synergy would translate into real-world benefits for farmers and future generations, reinforcing a shared commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth and international harmony.

Exploring bioresource sciences

Following the speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the research poster exhibition, showcasing the participants鈥� breakthrough studies.

The symposium featured an elite roster of keynote speakers, including Danilda Hufana-Duran, Ph.D. (Philippine Carabao Center) who spoke on advancing livestock productivity through reproductive biotechnologies. 黑料社区 visiting professor Michael Lochinvar Abundo, Ph.D. (OceanPixel) discussed building “Blue Economy” clusters and taking advantage of the Philippines鈥� rich marine resources. 

Other keynote lectures included Masayuki Shimada, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) on international research trends, and Quenstein Lauzon, Ph.D. (VSU) on revaluing aquatic waste as bioactive resources.

Plenary sessions featured expert insights from Shigeki Wada, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) on seaweed forests as blue carbon sinks, and Sanny David P. Lumayno, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Visayas) on climate-adaptive aquaculture. 

Masahide Nishibori, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) explored the genetic diversity of Asian native livestock, while Dr. Fabio Enriquez (Department of Agriculture Regional Office VII) outlined the outlook for Philippine agriculture. Patrick C. Cabaitan, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute) addressed coral reef sustainability, while Kwan-Suk Kim, Ph.D. (Chungbuk National University) discussed globalizing animal genetic research to future-proof livestock systems.

Parallel sessions offered deep dives into economic opportunities within agriculture and medicinal innovations involving endemic Philippine flora, among others.

Impact on SDGs 14 and 15

Closing the event, 黑料社区 Research, Development, Extension, and Publications Office Director Patrick John Y. Lim, Ph.D. presented how the three partner universities have significantly outperformed global benchmarks in Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15 regarding marine and terrestrial biodiversity.  

Dr. Lim urged researchers to translate their high-impact publications into tangible community change.

The University of San Carlos extends our sincerest gratitude to all the attendees and researchers from various local and international organizations who participated in expanding the discourse on sustainable bioresource management. Thank you for sharing data and initiating conversations that will lead to potential collaborations. These collaborations ensure that academic research remains a powerful tool for environmental stewardship and community-centered innovation.

The post 黑料社区, Hiroshima University, and Visayas State University host 2nd bioresource conference appeared first on University of San Carlos.

Edwina Grace L. Escobido, Renz Nico A. Estorba, and Franco Reece L. Englis were hosted by the Marine Ecology and Evolution Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Hsiu-Chin Lin, a professor at the Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources and Chair of the Institute of Marine Ecology and Conservation. 

The students were also supported by 黑料社区 alumnus Dr. Lorenzo C. Halazan, who currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow at NSYSU鈥檚 Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, further strengthening the ties between the two institutions.

This international exposure is part of the university鈥檚 ongoing partnership with NSYSU. By engaging in hands-on learning within an international academic environment, these Carolinians gained expert insights and fresh perspectives that will be pivotal in the completion of their research on Cephalopod systematics.聽

Through these global collaborations, the 黑料社区 Department of Biology continues to provide its students with world-class opportunities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of scientific discovery and marine conservation.

The post Marine Biology students bolster research through Cephalopod systematics training in Taiwan appeared first on University of San Carlos.

This year’s theme is Wavemakers: Youth Voices for Ocean Futures, which highlights the importance of maritime domain and its role in regional stability, security, and economic growth. The Blue Economy is another highlighted topic during the forum.

Aside from 黑料社区, the organizers, ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, also partnered with the Cebu City Government and Salacop Construction and Development Corporation.

The program includes a visit to the Archival Eco-House and a keynote address by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival. The opening ceremony, keynote sessions, workshops, and panel discussions will be held at 黑料社区 Talamban Campus.

Marine Biology Section Head Dr. Danilo B. Largo will speak as part of a panel discussion on marine conservation.

The post 黑料社区 co-hosts ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum appeared first on University of San Carlos.

黑料社区 was represented by student-researcher Jure Fleurmagne Batohanon, who earned 1st place in the oral presentation category for his study 鈥淢icrobial interactions in Sonneratia alba-associated Actinomycete co-cultures: Implications for antimicrobial activity,鈥� co-authored with Rena Mae Avila, Reyna Marie Therese S. Sanchez, and Carl Raymond D. Consuegra.

Sanchez also received 3rd place in the same category for her work 鈥淐omparative analysis of bioactivity and phytochemical profiles of wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) from different cultivation systems鈥� co-authored by Neil Patrick Uy and Norman Quilantang.

Both student teams were mentored by Jonie C. Yee, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Biology, who also delivered a plenary presentation highlighting 黑料社区鈥檚 initiatives in microbial biotechnology and natural product discovery, alongside Paul John L. Geraldino, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

These distinctions reflect the Department of Biology鈥檚 long-standing commitment to quality education anchored in inquiry-based learning, mentorship, and international research exposure. By providing students with opportunities to engage in cross-border scientific collaboration and publishable-level scholarship, the department ensures that teaching is deeply integrated with research鈥攁 key pillar of 黑料社区鈥檚 vision of forming globally competent graduates grounded in scientific excellence and ethical leadership.

The biosymposium convened a diverse group of scientists, educators, and healthcare professionals from around the world to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of knowledge on the innovative utilization of tropical bioresources in advancing healthcare solutions. 

The University鈥檚 participation in this biosymposium reaffirms its role as a contributor to global knowledge production and its continuing investment in research that draws on the Philippines鈥� rich biodiversity to address emerging challenges in health and sustainability.

The post 黑料社区 Biology students earn international recognition for innovative tropical microbiology research appeared first on University of San Carlos.

Organized with the support of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and the Research, Development, Extension, and Publications Office (RDEPO), the event brought together international researchers, faculty, and students to promote scientific exchange and deliver hands-on training in marine macroalgal research and taxonomy.

The program officially opened on June 3 with the Seaweed Research Mini-Symposium held at the SAFAD Theater. Messages of welcome and support were delivered by Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. (University President); Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, Ph.D. (Vice President for Academic Affairs); Glenn G. Glarino, Ph.D. (Dean, SAS); and Patrick John Y. Lim, Ph.D. (Director, RDEPO).

The symposium featured five presentations from invited speakers across the globe, addressing key challenges and recent developments in the field of seaweed research, namely:

• Ligia Collado-Vides, Ph.D. (Florida International University, USA)
  Navigating the Sargassum Atlantic crisis: A problem that needs international collaboration

• Ileana Ortegon-Aznar, Ph.D. (Universidad Aut贸noma de Yucat谩n, Mexico)
  Morphological groups as a tool for the study of reef environments: Case study of rocky reefs in Yucat谩n, Mexico

• Estela Maria Plastino, Ph.D. (Universidade de S茫o Paulo, Brazil)
  Intraspecific diversity in red algae

• Mi Yeon Yang, Ph.D. (Jeju National University, South Korea)
  Molecular assessment of rhodolith-forming algal diversity in Udo Islet, Jeju

• Min Khant Kyaw, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University, Japan)
  Mesophotic species diversity of rhodolith-forming non-geniculate coralline algae in Japan

The seaweed taxonomy workshop commenced in the afternoon at the Arnoldus Science Complex. The session was formally opened by Paul John L. Geraldino, Ph.D. Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, with welcome remarks from Mario N. Ruinata, Regional Director of BFAR VII. Lawrence M. Liao, Ph.D. (Hiroshima University) provided the workshop orientation and overview, setting the stage for a specialized lecture on Laurencia taxonomy jointly delivered by Mutue Toyota Fujii, Ph.D. (Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais, S茫o Paulo, Brazil) and Valeria Cassano, Ph.D. (Departamento de Bot芒nica, Universidade de S茫o Paulo, Brazil).

Workshop activities resumed on June 4 with a lecture by Dr. Liao on the history of Laurencia taxonomy in the Philippines, followed by practical exercises in specimen examination and identification. On the final day, June 5, participants gathered at the 黑料社区 Marine Station to conduct fieldwork, specimen collection, and laboratory processing under the guidance of Dominic Franco C. Belleza, Ph.D. and Alvin P. Monotilla, Ph.D., both faculty members of the 黑料社区 Department of Biology.聽

Through this initiative, 黑料社区 reaffirms its commitment to fostering international scientific collaboration and strengthening local research capacity in marine science, further advancing biodiversity research and promoting sustainable coastal management in the Philippines.

by Ann Clowee J. Hurboda, School of Arts and Sciences

The post 黑料社区 hosts international symposium and workshop on seaweed research and taxonomy appeared first on University of San Carlos.

Clownfish or anemone fish are reef fishes that exhibit color polymorphism, an important evolutionary mechanism both at an intra and interspecific level.聽 The aim of this research is to primarily investigate patterns of diversity and differentiation at both phenotypic and genetic levels among several Amphiprion 蝉辫别肠颈别蝉.听

Clownfish were popularized in 2003 through the movie “Finding Nemo.”

This current study is part of a broader effort to understand how marine species adapt to environmental changes, contributing to conservation and fisheries management efforts.聽 The collected samples, results and publications will be jointly owned by University of San Carlos and University of Lausanne, as per agreement.

Presentation of research findings on May 7, 2025 was attended by Johann Friedrich C. Tejada (Fishing Regulation Officer-II/Tech Asst. ORD, BFAR VII), Rommel G. Bacabac, Ph.D. (RDEPO Deputy Director), and Danilo B. Largo, Ph.D. (ITSO manager, Marine Biology Section head).

With reporting from the 黑料社区 Department of Biology

The post Bio dept has joint research with Swiss university on reef fishes appeared first on University of San Carlos.

The EAFM is a training program that aims to provide basic knowledge of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management and how this can assist in the decision-making for responsible and sustainable fisheries in the country.  A total of 26 participants from 20 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) representing 11 regions graduated from the said training.  

The training course was hosted by the DOST PCAARRD and co-hosted by the University of the Philippines Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (UPV-CFOS-IMFO).  

Present also during the graduation ceremony were Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Director of MRRD-PCAARRD, Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for ARMSS, and Dr. Clement C. Camposano, UPV Chancellor.

With reporting from the Department of Biology

The post Biology dept joins fisheries management training appeared first on University of San Carlos.

On September 13, 2024, representatives from the Department joined the Cordova Integrated Coastal Resource Management (ICRM) planning workshop which addresses the governance of human activities affecting the sustainable use of goods and services generated by coastal and marine ecosystems. 

Among the participants of the event were the Local Government of Cordova, Corvoda鈥檚 Fisherfolk鈥檚 Associations, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7, and other private sector representatives. 

The workshop was supported by the Australia Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Coral Restoration Project, of . In June 2024, Marine Biology students observed multispecies coral spawning, during which millions of eggs were collected and released after larval culture for the coral larval enhancement experiments aimed at restoring the degraded reefs in Cordova and Lapu-Lapu City. 

Aside from workshops, Marine Biology faculty members, students, and alumni (above) also participated in the International Coastal Clean-up Day on September 21, 2024, at the Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Lapu-Lapu City.

The post Biology dept joins workshop on coastal and marine ecosystems and clean-up drive appeared first on University of San Carlos.

The 黑料社区 Southeast Asia Marine Plastics (SEAMaP) project team was composed of the following researchers: Maria Kristina O. Paler, Ph.D., Francis Dave Siacor, D.Eng., Jeanie Orate (oral presenters), and former School of Engineering Dean Evelyn B. Taboada, Ph.D., Apple AJ Langcamon, and Shaira Kyle Tagalog (poster presenters).

Out of 580 competing papers at the conference, Langcamon was one of eight awardees and the only one from the Philippines who received the recognition. 

The three-day conference had a total of 1,400 participants from 40 countries, with 27 countries competing. 

According to its , the conference aims to bring 鈥渧arious ocean stakeholders, including governments, research communities/academia, private and business sectors, philanthropic foundations, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society, to present the current status of ocean knowledge.鈥� 

Its collective goal is to 鈥渋dentify future priorities, and continuously catalyze partnerships and concrete actions for transformative ocean-based solutions to sustainability challenges in this particular region, such as resource depletion, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate change and ocean acidification, and natural hazards.鈥�

The post 黑料社区 researcher wins best young scientist poster presentation award in Thailand appeared first on University of San Carlos.

The turtle was rescued by local fishermen together with personnel from the Lapu-Lapu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and immediately brought to the 黑料社区 Marine Research Station in Maribago where he was handed over to the care of fourth-year Marine Biology students. 

The sea turtle was named Gretle by the students, who found signs of weakness and emaciation caused by his buoyancy problems or inability to dive to reach food. The students took the initiative to raise funds of over Php8T for Gretle鈥檚 veterinary consultation fees and internal examination. 

On December 23rd, Gretle was taken to a veterinary hospital for an X-ray scan which revealed no foreign object ingested. He was, however, diagnosed with a condition called the floating syndrome, an illness that results in a turtle becoming too buoyant so that diving for food becomes a struggle.

This illness is commonly caused by trauma from a possible boat collision or contact with explosives. Gretle was prescribed medication and underwent force feeding from December 26, 2022 until January 18, 2023. Marine Biology students took turns in nursing Gretle, which is recuperating at the Marine Research Station. 

At this time, Gretle has already regained strength and is now able to dive and feed himself. His release is already being considered. In no time, Gretle will be reunited with his first love鈥攖he ocean.

Gretle鈥檚 journey to recovery would not have been possible without the effort and dedication of 黑料社区鈥檚 Marine Biology students. Also instrumental in Gretle鈥檚 recovery are individuals who have extended their help in this endeavor, namely Jonathan Apurado (marine turtle specialist), Dr. Alessandro Ponzo (founder and executive director of LAMAVE), Dr. Jun Chua Espinosa (attending veterinarian), Reynaldo Tobias (resident caretaker of 黑料社区 Marine Research Station), and Happy Paws Veterinary Hospital.

The 黑料社区 Marine Biology students would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all individuals who took the time to respond to the call for donations and extended their generosity in helping Gretle.

Truly, passion and compassion go a long way.

by Charlene Rhay Dakay, Department of Biology

The post Marine biology students nurse sea turtle back to health appeared first on University of San Carlos.