Building Bridges: MSU-Naawan Faculty Visits UP Mindanao Research Facilities | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

Building Bridges: MSU-Naawan Faculty Visits UP Mindanao Research Facilities

Written by Irene Faith Makinano
Uploaded on April 23, 2024

On April 23, 2024, faculty and staff from the School of Marine and Fisheries Technology of Mindanao State University (MSU)-Naawan embarked on a productive site visit to UP Mindanao’s laboratories and ongoing research projects. This visit highlighted collaborative efforts in advancing marine science research and technology in the region.

One of the key projects explored during the visit was the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project. The MABIDA Project presented its cutting-edge unified information system, which serves as an open-access storage platform for marine biology researchers not only in Mindanao but around the globe. This comprehensive system offers an organized and accessible repository of vital marine data that supports scientists, educators, and decision-makers in their research and conservation efforts.

In addition to learning about MABIDA’s digital resources, the MSU-Naawan team had a unique opportunity to engage with the project’s advanced 3D scanners and printers. These technologies play an essential role in enhancing the visualization and study of marine specimens, providing precise, 3D-printed models for research and educational purposes.

This visit solidified ongoing relationships between Mindanao’s academic institutions, fostering a spirit of collaboration in marine research, and underscored the importance of sharing knowledge, tools, and innovations to address the growing challenges faced by our marine ecosystems.

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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.

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