ABRAHAM Program Explores Collaboration with DOrSU for MABIDA
Written by Maria Joselle V. Luzon
Uploaded on Feb. 22, 2022
MATI CITY - The Applied Biodiversity Research for Holistic Advancements in Mindanao (ABRAHAM) Program staff visited the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) on February 22, 2022. ABRAHAM Project 2: MABIDA, or Marine Biodiversity Database, aims to collaborate with DOrSU to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes, specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. DOrSU 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 DOrSU President, Dr. Roy G. Ponce, together with the faculty and staff from the Information Technology department and Marine Biology department.
Other Articles
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.
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.
