Marine Resources Research Division - Pcaarrd

13/08/2026

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) led by its Officer-in Charge (OIC) Ms. Maria Adela C. Corpuz, conducted an Inception Meeting on the newly approved DOST-GIA funded project “BUKAS-MIRAI for Smart Seaweed Aquaculture: Bridging Unified Knowledge for Agarophyte Science – Merged Initiative for Resilient Agar Industry” on 11 August 2026 at the UP Visayas (UPV), Miagao, Iloilo. The said project is under the Japan Science and Technology (JST) Agency Joint Research Program (JRP) of the NEXUS program (Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN) which is being implemented by UPV under the leadership of Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols.

The meeting provided a venue to clarify the roles of researchers, UPV, as well as DOST PCAARRD's role as monitoring agency; define requirements, expected outputs and outcomes, workplan/timetable, monitoring schedules and implementing strategies; and discuss refinements in the methodologies, if needed. The DOST-GIA guidelines for technical and financial monitoring was also discussed during the meeting. Dr. Ferriols, OIC of the Office of the Chancellor delivered the welcome remarks. The meeting was attended by the project team including the representatives from UPV Accounting and Procurement office, and representatives from MRRD and the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for RD (OED-RD). The representative from the DOST Special Project Division (SPD) and from PCAARRD Accounting participated via zoom. Summing it up, this inception meeting emphasized the importance of having a shared understanding of the objectives and deliverables of the project to veer away from wasted time, effort and resources with a common goal to boost the resilient agar industry.

11/08/2026

17/07/2026

DOST PCAARRD joins partners to co-design pathways for scalable coral reef restoration in the Philippines

Recognizing the critical role of coral reef ecosystems in sustaining marine biodiversity, food security, and coastal livelihoods, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) joined key stakeholders in a hybrid co-design workshop on coral restoration, held last 9-10 July 2026 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City and via Zoom.

The 2-day activity, led by the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), convened researchers, government institutions, local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and key stakeholders and communities from the fisheries and marine conservation sector. It provided a platform to collectively identify priorities, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen partnerships toward developing inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient strategies for restoring coral reef ecosystems.

Dr. Ma. Vanessa B. Rodriguez, Deputy Director of the Bolinao Marine Laboratory and a Professor of UP MSI, welcomed the participants and acknowledged the participation of diverse stakeholders from coastal communities across seven regions (III, IV, V, VII, VIII, XI and CARAGA) in the country. A total of 50 participants attended the workshop.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director highlighted the workshop as an opportunity to co-create solutions and strategies that are scientifically sound and responsive to the needs of our coastal communities. Complementing this, Dr. Jennifer Blair, ACIAR Research Program Manager for Fisheries, emphasized the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise at the early stages of project development to address emerging challenges in our marine ecosystems.

Also present during the workshop are Dr. Peter Harrison (online), Professor of Southern Cross University (SCU), Dr. Dexter Dela Cruz, Postdoctoral Researcher of SCU, and Ms. Hazel Aniceto, Country Manager of ACIAR Philippines. In support of the workshop objectives, joining the discussions are Dr. Lilian G. Bondoc, Director of the Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD) and Ms. Maria Adela C. Corpuz, Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Resources Division (MRRD) and technical staff of DOST-PCAARRD.

This initiative marks the first co-designed project between ACIAR and DOST-PCAARRD which is focused on the marine sector which reflects the shared commitment to advance science-driven solutions, enhance research collaboration, and support the sustainable management and restoration of our coral reef resources.

07/07/2026

PCAARRD attended the 2nd Joint Executive Board and Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) Meeting of WESVAARRDEC on 17 June 2026 at the West Visayas State University (WVSU), Iloilo City.

Hosted by the WVSU, the Meeting was participated by the heads/representatives from the Consortium Member Institutions (CMIs) of WESVAARRDEC. Ms. Maria Adela C. Corpuz, Officer-in-Charge and Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) of DOST-PCAARRD and focal person for WESVAARRDEC attended the meeting.

Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU President welcomed the participants. The meeting was presided by Dr. Aladino C. Moraca of the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) and outgoing RRDCC Vice-Chair. Matters related to the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) Consortium in response to the regional geopolitical developments was discussed. The quarterly accomplishments of WESVARRDEC was presented by its Consortium Director, Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta. Updates on the new projects under the Consortium was also presented.

One of the highlights of the Meeting was the election of 2026-2028 RRDCC Executive Board. Dr. Villaruz, was elected Chairperson of the RRDCC. Other elected officials were Dir. Dennis Arpia of the Department of Agriculture–Western Visayas (DA-WV) as Vice-Chairperson, Sector representatives: Dr. Lilian Parreño of Guimaras State University (GSU) for Agriculture, Dir. Remia Aparri of DA-BFAR for Aquatic Resources, and Dr. Jose Isidro Michael Padin of DENR-ERDB for Natural Resources. Dr. Leobert Dela Peña of SEAFDEC and Dr. Efren L. Linan, President of Capiz State University (CapSU), were elected as Representatives-at-Large. Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera was also given a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedication and support to WESVAARRDEC during her term as PCAARRD representative. The Certificate was received by Ms. Corpuz on her behalf.

19/06/2026

Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Deputy Executive Director for R&D of PCAARRD with representatives from Marine Resources Research Division and Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division joined the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources Chairman Congressman Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata and Vice Chairman Jane Castro, with Committe Member Congressman Jesus Marquez, and Congressman Howard Guintu of the 1st District of Capiz during the visit to SEAFDEC AQD and UP Visayas .

17/06/2026

22/05/2026

TalabaCon 2026 Highlights‎

18/05/2026

The Talabacon 2026: National Oyster Conference, organized by Central Philippine University (CPU), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and the UP Diliman Marine Science Institute (UPD MSI), and supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARRD) and together with other private partners, is being held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel from 18-19 May 2026.

The Opening of the event was graced by the presence of notable leaders who provided Welcome Messages, including the Hon. Raisa S. Trenas-Chu, Mayor of Iloilo City, represented by Ms. Velma Jane Lao; UP Visayas Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano; Central Philippine University President, Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy; DOST Region 6 represented by the Assistant Regional Director for Finance and Administrative Services, Dr. Mary Rose O. Suerte; and Dr. Rolando V. Pakingking, Chairman of the Talabacon 2026. A message of support was also delivered by Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta, Director, WESVAARRDEC, PCAARRD in the Region. Keynote Speech was delivered by Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, PCAARRD Executive Director. His speech underscores, the clear goal, aspiring for Philippine oyster to be recognized not only for its taste and quality, but also for meeting World-class standards of safety, sustainability, and responsible production.

Viewing of the posters and networking ensued prior to the Plenary Presentations where Co-Chair of TalabaCon Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda provided the rationale of the conference.
This activity serves as a venue to review/evaluate and share the research highlights/outputs of the completed and ongoing Oyster R&D programs/projects, including the relevance to appropriate stakeholders. Further, this will bring together researchers, policymakers, industry players, students, local communities/oyster farmers and government and non-government/ private agencies to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inform inclusive policies for oyster development.

The conference was attended by more than 150 participants from State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), representatives from the National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), Fisherfolk Associations, Private Institutions and students from Regions NCR, 4A, 4B, 6 and 7.

13/05/2026

The Marine Resources Research Division of DOST PCAARRD conducted the Inception Meeting for the newly approved PCAARRD-GIA funded project, Coral Reef Restoration in Batangas using Coral Larval Enhancement Methods on 7 May 2026 at the Batangas State University (BatStateU), Batangas City. The project aims to understand the reproductive cycle pattern of corals in Lobo, Batangas and will apply this knowledge to restore coral reef ecosystems in the area.

The meeting focused on the DOST-GIA guidelines governing project implementation emphasizing the new provisions and documentary requirements, as well as the roles and responsibilities of Dr. Miguel Enrique Ma. Azcuna as Project Leader, BatStateU as the implementing agency, and PCAARRD as the funding and monitoring agency. Dr. Azcuna also presented the project work plan and expected outputs.

Present during the meeting were key officials from BatStateU, led by Engr. Albertson D. Amante, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services. Also in attendance were Dr. Rosenda A. Bronce, Director for Research and Dr. Joshua M. Vacarizas, Assistant Director for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and PCAARRD BSP. Members of the Coral Restoration project team and VIP CORALS Lobo and representatives from the administrative offices such as the Procurement, Budget, Property, Supplies and Accounting Offices participated in the meeting. Dr. Jayvee A. S**o, Center Head of VIP CORALS Lobo, welcomed the participants.

The activity was spearheaded by MRRD Director Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, together with Ms. Maria Adela Corpuz, MRRD Assistant Director and MRRD Staff, Ms. Preciosa C. Samonte and Mr. Dan Carlo Barrion. Also joining the PCAARRD team were staff from the Office of the Deputy Executive Director for R&D and FAD Accounting Section.

01/05/2026

The Marine Resources Research Division of PCAARRD conducted the inception meeting for the project, Revisiting Fisheries Management Areas: Investigation of Spatial Hypotheses Using Environmental DNA (FISH eDNA) in University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), Davao City on 28 April 2026.

Highlighted in the said meeting were the DOST-GIA guidelines governing the project implementation and the roles of PCAARRD being the funding and monitoring agency with UPMin as the implementing agency including the roles and responsibilities of Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. as the Project Leader.

Dr. Nañola presented the project workplan vis-a-vis the initial activities conducted and the project’s future activities. PCAARRD team was headed by Dr. Mari-Ann Acedera, Director of MRRD, together with Ms. Maria Adela Corpuz, Assistant Director of the said division and other technical personnel of MRRD: Ms. Michelle De Vera and Mr. Dan Carlo Barrion. Also joining the PCAARRD team is Dr. Jesselle Laranas, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the office of the Deputy Executive Director for R&D. PCAARRD’s FAD Accounting Section also attended online.

The PCAARRD team was warmly welcomed by UPMin Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Stella Salazar. The event was attended by the staff of both project teams and UPMin’s personnel who represented the administrative offices such as Accounting Section, Supply and Property Management Office. Other participants who attended online are partner agencies of UPMin in the implementation of the project, namely Dr. Richard Muallil of Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) and Dr. Samuel Mamauag of De La Salle University (DLSU) including Mr. Kevin Labrador as the project consultant.