DOST-PCAARRD Heads Visit UP Mindanao to Monitor Progress of ABRAHAM Program
Written by Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan
Uploaded on May 26, 2022
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.
Other Articles
CRREST Soft-Launches Book on Reef Fish Biology and Hosts Signing of MOA for Marine Biodiversity Database Project
The UP Mindanao Office of Research, in partnership with the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies (CRREST) Laboratory, organized a successful afternoon of discussions on reef fish diversity in the Philippines. The event was held on February 24, 2023, and attended by students, partner institutions, and government agencies in Mindanao. Led by renowned experts in the field, the discussions covered the historical records, status, and future directions of reef fish diversity in the Philippines. As an initiative towards collaboration, the event also featured a soft launching of the book titled "Data Collection and Analyses for Reef Fish Biology." Edited by CRREST researcher Maybelle A. Fortaleza and laboratory head Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., the book aims to guide beginners in conducting independent research and streamline protocols and methods in studying reef fish biology. The event also marked a significant milestone for the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project. The project held a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing with partner higher education institutions during the event, signifying the commitment of partner institutions to support the project and collaborate in its implementation. The MABIDA Project aims to create a comprehensive database of marine biodiversity in the Philippines, providing critical information for conservation and management efforts. The event was a significant step towards the development of collaborative research endeavors and knowledge transfer in the region, and the organizers hope to continue their efforts in acquiring new information and conducting further research on reef fish diversity and marine biodiversity in the Philippines.
Researchers from the MABIDA Project Engage in Two-Day Training on 3D Scanning and Printing
DAVAO CITY - Researchers from the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project attended a two-day training on 3D Scanning and Printing last 08-09 December 2022 at the MABIDA Laboratory, CSM, UP Mindanao, Davao City. As part of the package for the procured equipment for 3D fabrication, training on the usage of the equipment was conducted and attended by the researchers from the MABIDA Project. Engr. Joseph Maggay of OmniFab Inc. shared his expertise in 3D scanning and printing. Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Ace Niño B. Guieb were present during the training. Aside from the Marine Biodiversity Database being developed, one of the objectives of the MABIDA Project is to generate 2D and 3D models of the representative species of Mindanao marine biodiversity and establish 3D Museums and Exhibits, raising knowledge and awareness of our marine resources.
