DOST-PCAARRD Heads Visit UP Mindanao to Monitor Progress of ABRAHAM Program | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

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.

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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.

Hands-on Training on Capillary Sequencing with PGC Mindanao

Two researchers of CRREST Laboratory, Ms. Joemarie Lanutan and Mr. Kevin Labrador, underwent hands-on training on capillary sequencing conducted by the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao last 18 November 2022. The training introduced concepts and techniques that feed towards the DNA barcoding capabilities of CRREST. Services offered by PGC Mindanao and how these can be utilized by CRREST and its partners were also discussed. The partnership between CRREST and PGC Mindanao was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding through the FishDive Project of the DOST-funded ABRAHAM Program. Linked by common scientific interests to improve the state of omics research in Mindanao, both parties aim to cooperate and exchange ideas on the application of omics to study the marine biodiversity of the region.

3D Scanning and Fabrication by MABIDA Project for NSTW Exhibit Preparation

DAVAO CITY - The Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project conducted 3D Scanning and Fabrication activities as part of the preparations for the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) Exhibit from 27-28 October and 11-16 November 2022 at the USEP College of Technology in Obrero, Davao City. MABIDA has coordinated with USeP DigiHub FabLab on using their equipment and facilities for 3D scanning and 3D printing/fabrication. Reef fishes bought from the market served as inputs. Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Ace Niño B. Guieb of MABIDA were present during the activities. Ms. Ai Escalante, Ms. Jovelyn Oblianda, and Mr. Amiel Marata of DigiHub FabLab assisted them. The team featured the outputs from the 3D fabrication activities in the NSTW Exhibit held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila, on November 23-27, 2022.

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