FishDive Project Invited as Resource Persons in Monthly Fish Talk Organized by USM Kabacan
KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO - Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. and Ms. Maybelle A. Fortaleza of CRREST Laboratory served as the resource persons for the monthly seminar series organized by the University of Southern Mindanao Fisheries Society last 28 April 2023. Dr. Nañola discussed the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the country as means of managing our coastal and marine resources, while Ms. Fortaleza presented what is currently known about the marine fish diversity in Davao Gulf. Both presentations include data from the research projects conducted by CRREST Laboratory in Mindanao, particularly in Davao Gulf. The seminar was attended by 150 BS Fisheries students and faculty members. We are grateful to the College of Agriculture Dean Dr. Julius Jerome Ele, Dr. Mary Joy Cañolas, Ma’am Leonila Papalid, and Sir Stephen Dave Dupo for the warm welcome and fruitful discussion in USM Kabacan. Both universities will also enter a Memorandum of Understanding focused on training and capacity building activities for the BS Fisheries faculty and students through the DOST-funded ABRAHAM: FishDive Project.
"Our Daily Fish" Fisheries in the Philippines - Past, Present, and Future
The UP Mindanao Office of Research in partnership with the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies (CRREST) Laboratory organized an afternoon of fruitful discussions on the historical records, status, and future directions of reef fish diversity in the Philippines. The discussions were led by renowned experts: Dr. Kent Carpenter of the Old Dominion University, Dr. Cleto L. Nañola Jr. of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, Dr. Richard Muallil of the Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi, and Academician Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute. The event was attended by students, partner institutions, and government agencies in Mindanao which are hoped to continue the efforts of acquiring new information and knowledge transfer in the region through collaborative research endeavors. As an initiative to this collaboration, we had a soft launching of the book — “Data Collection and Analyses for Reef Fish Biology” which was edited by our lab head Dr. Cleto L. Nañola Jr. and CRREST researcher Maybelle Fortaleza. The book will serve as an avenue to streamline protocols and methods on studying reef fish biology and to guide beginners in starting their own independent research.
DOST-PCAARRD Heads Visit UP Mindanao to Monitor Progress of ABRAHAM Program
The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) heads, Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera and Ma. Adela C. Corpuz, recently visited the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao to monitor the progress of the ABRAHAM Program. The ABRAHAM Program, a three-year project being implemented in partnership with UP Mindanao, aims to study and understand the biodiversity of marine life in the Philippines, with a focus on Mindanao. Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has made significant progress in its research and implementation. During their visit, the DOST-PCAARRD heads were given a tour of the CRREST Laboratory where the program is being implemented. They were able to see the equipment being used in the research and the progress that has been made so far. Dr. Acedera expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the program, commending the researchers for their dedication and hard work. She also emphasized the importance of studying marine biodiversity, particularly in the Philippines, which is home to some of the world's richest marine ecosystems. The ABRAHAM Program is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable and science-based policies for the protection and management of marine biodiversity in the country. With the support of DOST-PCAARRD, the program aims to provide valuable insights and data that can be used to promote the conservation and preservation of the Philippines' marine resources. The visit of the DOST-PCAARRD heads highlights the government's commitment to supporting scientific research and development in the country. Through partnerships with leading academic institutions like UP Mindanao, the government aims to drive progress and innovation that can contribute to the sustainable development of the Philippines.
MABIDA at NSTW: Showcasing Project Outputs
PASAY CITY - The Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project participated during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) Exhibit organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) last 23-27 November 2022 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila. With the theme: “Agham at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan,” NSTW returns to a face-to-face setup after holding the celebration in a virtual format for two years, aiming to bring Science, Technology, and Innovations closer to the people. The project, represented by Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, and Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, were present as exhibitors during the week-long event. The exhibit featured the two project components of the ABRAHAM Program, samples of 3D-printed reef fishes for the fish museum, and the Marine Biodiversity Database, which is continuously being improved and developed. DOST-PCAARRD, the monitoring agency of the ABRAHAM Program, invited the MABIDA Project, along with other projects, to showcase the current development and outputs of these government-funded projects that are aimed at the advancement of Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources management in the country. Other agencies of DOST were also present to exhibit the research and development (R&D) outputs, as well as innovative products and services developed.
Ceremonial MOA Signing Marks Collaborative Milestone for MABIDA Project
Davao City, Philippines - On February 24, 2023, a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between several partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and UP Mindanao, representing the Applied Biodiversity Research for the Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) MABIDA Project, also known as the Information System for Marine Fishery Morphology and DNA Sequence in Mindanao, took place at the UP Mindanao Center for Advancement of Research in Mindanao. The event, which coincided with the "Our Daily Fish: Kapehan Talks on Reef Fish Diversity & Book Launching of the Data Collection and Analysis for Reef Fish Biology," aimed to strengthen the educational and scientific cooperation among the involved parties and establish a solid foundation for collaborative efforts in marine conservation and research. The in-person event brought together renowned speakers, officials from partner HEIs, and honorable personalities in marine conservation and research. Dr. Kent Carpenter of Old Dominion University, Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. of UP Mindanao, Dr. Richard Muallil of Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi, and Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute were among the notable speakers. The executed MOAs cemented the cooperation between UP Mindanao, which represented the ABRAHAM Program Projects FishDive and MABIDA, and the partner HEIs. The MOA, more specifically named as Supplemental MOA for Educational and Scientific Cooperation, specified the duties, responsibilities, effectivity and duration, technicalities, and expectations of all parties involved, guaranteeing a coherent and collaborative relationship. Representatives from numerous HEIs were present, both virtually and in person, for the signing of the MOAs. Partner HEIs were MSU General Santos City, Davao Oriental State University, Davao del Norte State College, Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, MSU Sulu, MSU Tawi-Tawi, and Jose Rizal Memorial State University. The combined effort and dedication of these institutions will promote knowledge sharing, joint research projects, and capacity-building activities, thus ultimately developing a more comprehensive understanding of reef fish biology and conservation in Mindanao.
Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Website Soft Launched to Increase Marine Conservation Efforts
Davao City, Philippines - Bidang-Bida sa MABIDA, the soft launch ceremony of the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Website, was conducted at the UP Mindanao Administration Building Lorenzo Hall on May 22, 2023. The event, organized by the Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) MABIDA Project in collaboration with the UP Mindanao Office of Research, coincided with the “Internal Day for Biological Diversity” and gathered distinguished in-person visitors and virtual attendees from various institutions and organizations. The MABIDA Website, accessible through the URL 'https://mabida.upmin.edu.ph', marks an important step forward in the protection and knowledge of marine biodiversity in Mindanao. The website features a large amount of data, including species profiles, habitat information, and environmental characteristics, which will be updated and enhanced on a regular basis by ABRAHAM Program FishDive Project members and collaborating partner institutions. The website envisions to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for scientists, researchers, and policymakers to obtain essential data about marine ecosystems. The soft launch event witnessed a diverse array of participants, both physically present and joining virtually. Notable in-person attendees included Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, the Director of DOST Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARRD) Marine Resources Research Division, and Mrs. Ma. Adela Corpuz, the Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST PCAARRD Marine Resources Research Division. Notable guests who joined virtually included Mr. Jaypee G. Trinidad of DOST-PCAARRD and faculty members from the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology. The event also welcomed faculty members and researchers from partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), namely Davao del Norte State College, Davao Oriental State University, and Mindanao State University General Santos City. Representatives from UP Mindanao, including officials, staff, and students, were also present, thus underscoring the university's commitment to marine conservation and research. The extensive involvement and partnership of these institutions and DOST PCAARRD shall provide a solid foundation for future marine studies and initiatives. ABRAHAM FishDive Project Leader Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. introduced the audience to the ABRAHAM Program, the mother project of the FishDive Project and the MABIDA Project. Thereafter, ABRAHAM MABIDA Project Leader Leo Manuel B. Estaña, MSc gave a more thorough introduction of the MABIDA Project to help condition the audience as MABIDA Project Technical Specialists Geomarie Anne S. Paredes and Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan subsequently led a live demonstration to showcase the key features and functionalities of the MABIDA Website. Features showcased were the (1) Matching and Alignment, (2) Search Database, and (3) the MABIDA Website Interactive Map. The Matching and Alignment feature is intended to help with the taxonomic identification of samples supplied by website users. Meanwhile, the Search Database feature allows users to manually search and traverse the MABIDA Website's data repository of marine fisheries datasets supplied by partner HEIs and other collaborating agencies. Users can also use the MABIDA Website Interactive Map to see the numerous locations where the marine fishery datasets were collected. Future additions to this interactive map will include spatial overlay of various thematic maps relevant to marine science. Dr. Nañola urged the collaborating partner HEIs and agencies to polish and prepare the datasets that they will share and upload to the MABIDA Website, as these records will be used to improve the scientific community's ability to manage and protect the Mindanaon marine environment. In addition, Dr. Acedera of DOST PCAARRD stated that the MABIDA website will promote a more collaborative space for scientific cooperation in marine resource research and development, paving the way for more effective efforts to protect and understand the Philippine marine environment and resources. As the website becomes fully operational in the coming months, it is expected to attract a wider audience, including scientists, students, and marine enthusiasts alike.
ABRAHAM MABIDA Project: Courtesy Visits to LGUs in Davao Provinces
MABINI, DAVAO DE ORO AND SAN ISIDRO, DAVAO ORIENTAL - Representatives from the ABRAHAM MABIDA Project conducted a courtesy visit to the local government units (LGUs) of Mabini, Davao de Oro and San Isidro, Davao Oriental last 15 September 2022. Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, Dr. Pete A. Alviola IV, Project Staff, and researchers Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan and Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig were present during the visit. The team visited the Office of the Municipal Mayor, Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), and Municipal Nutrition Action Office (MNAO) in Mabini, Davao de Oro. In San Isidro, Davao Oriental, the team also visited the Office of the Municipal Mayor and Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO). The courtesy visit aimed to turn over the research output of the recently concluded CHED DARE-TO BEAM Project, where Mr. Estaña and Dr. Alviola were previously involved. They also introduced the current research thrusts and the MABIDA Project for potential collaboration and coordination of future activities.
CSU & MABIDA: Forging Marine Biodiversity Collaboration
CSU and ABRAHAM Project 2 MABIDA met for the first time for a possible collaboration. BUTUAN CITY - Researchers from the ABRAHAM Program conducted a courtesy visit to Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City on 09 September 2022 to present the executive brief of the program. The team, represented by Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Kevin L. Labrador from FishDive, Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Maria Joselle V. Luzon from MABIDA, were welcomed by Dr. Romell A. Seronay, Research and Extension Coordinator Chief of CSU, together with the faculty and staff of the Biology Department. Dr. Seronay started the meeting with a brief introduction of the representatives of CSU and a presentation of the current research thrusts of CSU's Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CRÈME). Objectives and outputs of the program were presented, including the database and website being continuously updated. They also discussed potential areas for collaboration. MABIDA aims to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. CSU, one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mindanao interested in marine biodiversity and resource management, is highly invited and encouraged to populate the database and conduct collaborative scientific activities.
FishDive Project Conducts Courtesy Visit to Regional BFAR Offices in Koronadal and General Santos
The research team of FishDive Project conducted a courtesy visit to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region XII Office in Koronadal City and in BFAR XII Regional Fisheries Laboratory in General Santos City to introduce and discuss the training and capacity building activities offered through the ABRAHAM-FishDive Project. Fishing Regulations Officer II Paul Benedict Gepte welcomed the research team and expressed their interest in the training modules presented. The research team also visited the BFAR XII Regional Fisheries Laboratory in General Santos City where the lab facilities are stationed. Ma’am Eugene Gay Jamora, the Laboratory Manager of BFAR XII RFL received copies of the training modules and gave an overview of the facilities and services they currently offer. The BFAR XII RFL expressed their interest in conducting training on DNA barcoding, which the CRREST Laboratory has been offering since 2019. Earlier this month, Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. and Assistant Regional Director Omar M. Sabal, RFT met at the 5th PAMB-SBPS Executive Committee Meeting where the latter expressed his interest in the same training modules presented to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (DENR-PAMO-SBPS). The CRREST Laboratory through the #FishDiveProject is looking forward to working with the government agencies in Region 12 to contribute to the increase in scientific capability, particularly in the interest of supporting the implementation of the Fisheries Management Area 3.
JRMSU, ZSCMST completes three-day training on Fish DNA Barcoding
Faculty members from Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) and Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) completed their three-day training on Fish DNA Barcoding last 19 August 2022. The activity aims to provide benchmarking on the DNA barcoding pipeline — covering concepts and applications to actual laboratory work. The three-day training was led by Mr. Kevin Labrador, University Researcher of the FishDive Project and assisted by Mr. Christian Labrador and Ms. April Mae Numeron of the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao. The participants also had the opportunity to view the facilities of PGC Min. We thank our training participants, Dr. Oliver Tito, Ms. Kathleen Dalope, and Ms. Aldette Dela Cruz of ZSCMST and Dr. Junnasir Sakilan and Dr. Jhoan Rhea Pizon of JRMSU, for their hard work and willingness to conduct more training and capacity building activities in their respective institutions. UP Mindanao and ZSCMST will also enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for scientific cooperation through the ABRAHAM FishDive Project.
MSU Gensan and MABIDA: Exploring Collaborative Frontiers in Marine Biodiversity Research
MSU Gensan and ABRAHAM Project 2 MABIDA looked forward to a collaboration. GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Representatives from the ABRAHAM Program visited the Mindanao State University - General Santos City last 01 August 2022 to present the Program Executive Brief. The team, represented by Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., Program Leader of ABRAHAM, Mr. Leo Manuel Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Maybelle A. Fortaleza (FishDive), Joemarie J. Lanutan (FishDive), Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan (MABIDA), Geomarie Anne S. Paredes (MABIDA), Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig (MABIDA), and Maria Joselle V. Luzon (MABIDA) were welcomed by Dr. Edna P. Guevarra, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension of MSU-GSC, together with her researchers and staff. The highlights of the meeting were the status of reef fishes on Sarangani Bay, the presentation of the two project components of the Program, and the invitation for scientific collaboration. MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. MSU-Gensan, one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mindanao interested in marine biodiversity and resource management, would be a significant addition to the pool of local experts managing and contributing to the database.
ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA Proposes Collaboration with ZSCMST
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) Program visited and presented the proposal for collaboration with the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) on 28 June 2022. ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. ZSCMST and other higher education institutions (HEIs) are encouraged to populate marine data into the database and conduct collaborative scientific activities. The program, represented by Kevin L. Labrador (FishDive), Joemarie L. Lanutan (FishDive), Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan (MABIDA), and Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig (MABIDA), was received by the Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Oliver Tito, Mr. Angelo Macario, and other officials. The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Officer-in-Charge President of ZSCMST before proceeding with the discussion. Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., ABRAHAM Program Head and Project Leader, and Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader, attended the meeting via Zoom. Dr. Maribelle T. Hanani of MSU-Sulu was also present during the meeting. Highlights of the meeting were the presentation of the two project components of the program, the official invitation for scientific collaboration, and the planned trainings to be initiated by the program.
ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA Collaborates with JRMSU on Marine Biodiversity Database
DAPITAN CITY - The researchers of the Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) Program visited Jose Rizal Memorial State University on 23 June 2022 to present the program executive brief. ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to collaborate with JRMSU to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. JRMSU and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will participate in populating marine data to the database. Dr. Cleto L. Nanola, Jr., ABRAHAM Program Head and Project Leader, and Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estana, Project Leader, attended the meeting via Zoom. At the same time, researchers Kevin L. Labrador (FishDive), Joemarie L. Lanutan (FishDive), Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan (MABIDA), and Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig (MABIDA) represented the program. JRMSU was represented by Dr. Maria Rio A. Naguit, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (OIC). Furthermore, some faculty, staff, and students were also present during the discussion. Essential highlights of the meeting were the presentation of the MABIDA website being developed, planned trainings to be initiated by the program, and the official invitation to JRMSU to collaborate with the MABIDA Project.
DNSC and UPMin Researchers Gear Up for Training on Scientific Diving
Two batches of researchers from Davao del Norte State College and UP Mindanao received a week-long training to reinforce underwater skills necessary for safe and scientific diving. Additionally, a two-day fish visual census training was conducted to apply the underwater skills gained in actual scientific diving work. Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. (Project Leader) and Dr. Girley S. Gumanao (DNSC Project Staff) are looking forward to future collaborations with other universities and institutions to further the involvement of researchers in monitoring marine biodiversity in the country, especially in Mindanao. We thank Chancellor Lyre Anni E. Murao, PhD of UP Mindanao, DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa, PhD, and DNSC Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Girley S. Gumanao for their support to this activity. We also thank the mentors Mr. Medel R. Silvosa, Ms. Rezelle B. Sobradil, Mr. Xavier N. Lopez, and the rest of the DNSC Marine Reserve Park staff for assisting the participants tirelessly throughout the training duration.
MABIDA Project Collaborates with DNSC for Marine Biodiversity Database
PANABO CITY - The Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project visited the Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) on 25 April 2022. The team, represented by Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Maria Joselle V. Luzon, were received by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, who gave a tour on their current DNSC Biodiversity Museum. The said museum will be linked to the developed Marine Biodiversity Database, which will showcase marine species diversity and highlight the Sulu-Celebes Seas biogeographic regions. ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to collaborate with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) around Mindanao to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. DNSC and other HEIs have committed to providing the necessary information and support to materialize this goal.
ABRAHAM Program Proposes Collaboration with DNSC for MABIDA
PANABO CITY - Last February 24, 2022, the Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) Program staff visited and presented the proposal for collaboration with the Davao del Norte State College (DNSC). ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. DNSC and other higher education institutions (HEIs) will participate in populating marine data into the database. Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., ABRAHAM Program Head and Project Leader, and Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader, spearheaded the meeting with the DNSC President, Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, together with their Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, and Research Coordinator, Mark Ronald Manseguiao.
