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Marine Resources Research Division - Pcaarrd, Paseo de Valmayor, Timugan, Economic Garden, Los Baños (2026)

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Paseo De Valmayor, Timugan, Economic Garden

27/09/2026

In celebration of the 54th Founding Anniversary of DOST-PCAARRD on November 10, 2026, and as part of the agency’s commemorative activities, we invite you to join the webinar, “Science-Informed Marine Governance: UN BBNJ Agreement and the Case of Apo Reef Natural Park” on September 30, 2026 at 10 AM via Facebook Live.

The webinar is also being held in celebration of the World Maritime Day and the Philippines’ observance of Maritime Archipelagic Awareness Month (MANAMo) every September. Furthermore, this activity serves as a kick-off enabling activity for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement in the country, following its entry into force in January 2026.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the BBNJ Agreement, commonly referred to as the UN High Seas Treaty, and its significance to the Philippines. The webinar will also highlight how scientific research can be translated into practical management actions and policy inputs for coral conservation with Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP).

Register here: https://forms.gle/CedaX3LjMT4gRXVG8

27/09/2026

A project review and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activity for one completed and three ongoing projects implemented by the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) was conducted by the Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) of PCAARRD on 24 September 2026 at MSU-TCTO, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

The activity aimed to assess the progress and overall implementation of the projects, validate accomplishments with the approved targets and deliverables, identify implementation issues and challenges, to determine appropriate actions and opportunities to address gaps and ensure the timely and effective completion of project activities. The review also served as an avenue to assess the projects’ technical and financial status and strengthen coordination between the project teams and MRRD.

The projects reviewed covered key marine commodities, particularly seaweeds led by Dr. Sitti Zayda Halun; and sardines, and cephalopods under the leadership of Dr. Richard N. Muallil, with the following titles:

• Seaweed and Seagrass Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum: Advancing Resource Management and Sustainability (SEASTechInnovate);
• Eucheumatoid Seaweed Farming Innovation in the Sulu Archipelago (SeawInnovate);
• Assessment and Innovation in Reducing Post-Harvest Losses for Enhanced Profitability and Sustainability in Sardine Fishery in Tawi-Tawi, Southern Philippines; and
• Assessment of Cephalopod Fisheries in Various Regions in the Philippines: Project 3 – Biology and Fisheries of Cephalopod Resources in Sulu Archipelago.

Project Leaders, Dr. Halun and Dr. Muallil, presented the technical accomplishments of their respective projects, including the activities undertaken, key outputs and deliverables, implementation challenges, and actions taken to address identified issues. The financial status and utilization of project funds were likewise presented and discussed.

MRRD, through its Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Maria Adela Corpuz, expressed her appreciation for the continued and active partnership of MSU-TCTO in the implementation of the projects. She led the project review and M&E discussions, providing guidance and recommendations on the implementation of the projects.

The activity also served as a venue for technical discussion, feedback, and coordination among the project teams, MRRD, and other concerned personnel, with the aim of strengthening project implementation and ensuring that the projects generate relevant and responsive outputs for the sustainable management and development of marine resources in the region.

Present during the activity were the project teams headed by Dr. Halun and Dr. Muallil, MRRD personnel led by Ms. Corpuz, together with Project Managers Ms. Eileen M. Redera and Ms. Michelle A. De Vera and Project Technical Assistant IV, Mr. Dan Carlo N. Barrion. Also present were DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Surigao del Sur Director, Engr. Ramil A. Sanchez and his staff, Engr. Karter Ronquillo.

An interview with a seaweed trader based in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi was conducted as a side activity, led by MSU-TCTO, MRRD and Applied Communication Division of PCAARRD and Agribusiness How It Works Youtube Channel Team with the aim to learn the experiences of the locals on seaweed trading, particularly, in Tawi-Tawi, the largest seaweed-producing province in the Philippines.

25/09/2026

The seaweed nursery/farm of the Seaweed Research and Development Center (SeaRDeC) of the Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) was visited during the fieldwork conducted in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. The activity was led by MSU-TCTO together with the Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD), and Applied Communication Division (ACD) of PCAARRD and the Agribusiness How It Works (AHIW) YouTube Channel Team.

The seaweed nursery/farm is one of the outputs of the seaweed research and development (R&D) programs/projects supported by DOST and PCAARRD and implemented by MSU-TCTO under the leadership of Dr. Sitti Zayda B. Halun. The area serves as a production and grow-out location for seaweed cultivars developed and maintained through the Seaweed Tissue Culture Laboratory of SeaRDeC.

One of the local seaweed farmers and beneficiaries of the seaweed R&D initiatives was also interviewed during the fieldwork. The farmer shared how the seaweed production activities have contributed to their family’s livelihood and provided an additional source of income and support for their daily needs.

Tawi-Tawi is recognized as the leading seaweed-producing province in the Philippines, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 2025 data. In this context, science-based R&D initiatives implemented through MSU-TCTO play an important role in supporting local seaweed farmers by providing improved planting materials and technologies that can contribute to better-quality and more productive seaweed harvests.

The seaweed nursery/farm and the experiences of the local farmers will be featured by Mr. Buddy Gancenia through the AHIW YouTube Channel, highlighting the role of science, technology, and innovation in strengthening the seaweed industry and supporting coastal communities in Tawi-Tawi.

Adjacent to the seaweed nursery/farm is a community that accommodated the team; they dry seaweed harvests outside their stilt houses.

Present during the fieldwork were Ms. Maria Adela Corpuz of MRRD, together with MRRD staff Ms. Eileen Redera, Ms. Michelle De Vera, and Mr. Dan Carlo Barrion. Representatives from ACD included Mr. Gian Carlo Camacho and Ms. Ginia Felice Garcia. Also present were members of the AHIW YouTube Channel Team, DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office (Surigao del Sur) Director, Engr. Ramil A. Sanchez with his staff, Engr. Karter Ronquillo, SeaRDeC personnel led by Dr. Halun, and local seaweed farmers.

24/09/2026

DOST and PCAARRD’s seaweed R&D initiatives in Tawi-Tawi are set to be featured on the Agribusiness How It Works (AHIW) YouTube Channel. An interview and laboratory visit by Mr. Buddy Gancenia and team of AHIW Youtube Channel featuring the seaweed R&D projects/programs of the Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) were conducted through collaborative work among PCAARRD’s Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD), Applied Communication Division (ACD) and MSU-TCTO.

The significance of these seaweed R&D initiatives in the seaweed industry were discussed during the interview and how DOST and PCAARRD assisted MSU-TCTO in building its Seaweed Research and Development Center in MSU Tawi-Tawi (SeaRDeC) through the program/project leadership of Dr. Sitti Zayda B. Halun, under the DOST Niche Center in the Regions (NICER) that caters to various researches on seaweeds and how the outputs from these R&D initiatives can help uplift the livelihood of seaweed farmers and other stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The visit to various laboratories within the SeaRDeC showcased the seaweed tissue culture, actual extraction process of carrageenan from seaweed and the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities of the Center.

The SeaRDeC also provides technical assistance to other stakeholders outside BARMM, and it also serves as a venue for benchmarking activity especially in terms of genomic studies on seaweed R&D initiatives. Additionally, it caters as well to other marine resources such as sea cucumbers among others.

The team interviewed includes Ms. Maria Adela C. Corpuz, MRRD’s Officer-in-Charge and Ms. Eileen M. Redera, Project Manager of seaweed R&D projects, Dr. Halun of MSU-TCTO and selected SeaRDeC personnel.

Apart from the interview, a side meeting between PCAARRD’s MRRD and MSU-TCTO administrative officials and personnel, Dr. Richard N. Muallil, MSU-TCTO Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, together with Ms. Jaida A. Alsharif and Mr. Daniel Cicero C. Tejano has been conducted to assist MSU-TCTO in facilitating and securing clearance from financial and technical accountabilities for the completed MSU-TCTO programs/projects and securing financial clearance with DOST and PCAARRD.

22/09/2026

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD), together with the Applied Communication Division (ACD) of PCAARRD and the Agribusiness How It Works (AHIW) YouTube Channel team paid a visit and courtesy call with Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) Chancellor, Dr. Mary Joyce Guinto-Sali on 21 September 2026.

The courtesy call was conducted as part of the week-long activities in Tawi-Tawi being spearheaded by MRRD in coordination with ACD, AHIW Team in collaboration with MSU-TCTO seaweed project team on how to promote PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) on seaweed through media relations. Also, the visit aimed to further strengthen the partnership between PCAARRD and MSU-TCTO and to provide an avenue to discuss the ongoing and upcoming R&D initiatives involving the two institutions.

Led by its Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Ma. Adela C. Corpuz, the team was accompanied by the MRRD staff, Ms. Eileen Redera, Ms. Michelle De Vera and Mr. Dan Carlo Barrion; the ACD team was represented by Mr. Gian Carlo Camacho and Ms. Ginia Felice Garcia, AHIW Team was led by Mr. Buddy Gancenia and MSU-TCTO seaweed project team was headed by Dr. Sitti Zayda Halun.

20/09/2026

The Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD) of DOST PCAARRD conducted a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activity on 17 September 2026 at the College of Accountancy, Business, Economics, and International Hospitality Management (CABEIHM) Building, Batangas State University (BatStateU) in Batangas City for its two ongoing PCAARRD-GIA funded projects.

These ongoing projects are the Coral Reef Restoration in Batangas using Coral Larval Enhancement (Coral Resto), led by Dr. Miguel Enrique Ma. Azcuna, and Field-testing of Laboratory-reared Kappaphycus and Eucheuma spp. in Potential Farming Sites in Batangas Province (FLaKE), led by Dr. Jayvee A. S**o.

The MRRD M&E team reviewed the progress of both projects in line with the approved workplan, deliverables/outputs and the agreed timelines. The team assessed the extent of accomplishments and major deliverables and their contribution to attaining the projects’ objectives. In addition, implementation concerns, challenges affecting field activities and administrative matters, were also discussed, with recommendations provided to help the project teams address these issues.

Beyond tracking accomplishments, the M&E served as an opportunity for further discussion, sharing of learning experiences, and finding practical ways to keep the projects moving forward and achieve their set goals. The activity also highlighted the importance of strengthening implementation strategies to ensure that project outputs are completed, utilized, and eventually translated into applications for the benefit of intended users.

Through activities such as this, PCAARRD continues to work closely with its partners to gauge project progress, provide timely guidance, address implementation challenges, and help ensure that investments in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources research lead to meaningful and practical results.

Dr. Rosenda A. Bronce, BatStateU Director of Research, welcomed DOST PCAARRD and the project teams. She was joined by Dr. Joshua M. Vacarizas, Assistant Director for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources, and Dr. Vaberlie P. Mandane-Garcia, Vice President for Development and External Affairs, together with the project teams of Coral Resto and FLaKE.

The M&E team was spearheaded by the Officer-in-Charge of MRRD, Ms. Maria Adela Corpuz, who presented the rationale and objectives of the activity. Together with the MRRD technical staff, ISP Manager for Corals, Ms. Preciosa C. Samonte; ISP Manager for Seaweeds, Ms. Eileen M. Redera; and Project Technical Assistant IV, Mr. Dan Carlo Barrion.

08/09/2026

Ms. Maria Adela C. Corpuz, Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Resources Research Division of PCAARRD represented the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to the 2026 Marine Resources Initiative (MRI) Phase 2 Regional Workshop held on 26 to 28 August 2026 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ms. Corpuz was part of the Philippine Delegation comprising representatives from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), UP Diliman Marine Science Institute (UPD MSI), De La Salle University (DLSU) and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).

The participation of Ms. Corpuz strengthened DOST-PCAARRD’s engagement with MRI network and enabled her to build on the knowledge, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities established through previous MRI-related engagements, including the Scoping Workshop held in May 2026. This Phase 2 workshop focuses on strengthening the regional and national capabilities to manage and protect the marine environment, particularly on coral reef monitoring and data integration using the Reef Cloud. In addition, the workshop served as venue to share the practices, and ongoing R&D initiatives while exploring opportunities for future collaboration. The workshop was organized by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) with funding support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian government. The activity was also attended by representatives across Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Viet Nam and Brunei Darussalam and by a representative from the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, ACB) and Australia.

07/09/2026

Ms. Maria Adela C. Corpuz, Officer-in-Charge of the Marine Resources Research Division represented Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, DOST PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (OED-ARMSS) as Plenary Speaker during the 19th International Kuroshio Science Symposium held on September 2–3, 2026 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) –Legazpi in Legazpi City, Philippines. With this year’s theme, “Building Bridges Along the Kuroshio Region: Advancing Multidisciplinary Science and Stewardship Through International Collaboration,” Ms. Corpuz presented, “Sustainable Food System: Challenges and Solutions”. Her presentation focused on the Food Systems, Sustainable Food System, its Importance, how it affects the community/society; Challenges and Opportunities, and PCAARRD’s contribution and initiatives in addressing Sustainable Food System in the country.

The Opening was graced by the Rector and President of UST-Legazpi, Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, MM, DBA, and Honorable Governor of Albay Gov. Noel Rosal, represented by Mr. Jeremy Cruz from the Office of the Governor. Dr. Satoshi Kubota, Head of the Kuroshio Science Program, Kochi University presented the Kuroshio Science Overview and Directions.

This is the 1st time that UST hosted and organized this Symposium in collaboration with Bicol University, Partido State University, PCAARRD BiCAARRD and Kochi University.

The activity was participated in by more than 50 faculties, students, researchers coming from various agencies from the Philippines (Mindanao State University at Naawan and Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography, Bicol University, Bicol College, Parido State University, University of Sta. Isabel, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, and University of Sto, Tomas) and Japan (Kochi University).

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.

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 .

Marine Resources Research Division - Pcaarrd

27/09/2026

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