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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MABIDA Team Visits Mindanao State University-General Santos City

On August 28, 2024, the MABIDA Project visited Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC). The visit aimed to strengthen the collaborative partnership between MABIDA and MSU-GSC and to collect available data for incorporation into the MABIDA database. The MSU-GSC was represented by Associate Professor Julius V. Mingoc from the Marine Biology Department and Dr. Liza L. Limpin from the IT and Physics Department. During the visit, the MABIDA team engaged in discussions about data-sharing strategies, focusing on how MSU-GSC could assist in populating the MABIDA database. The teams discussed ways in which MSU-GSC could effectively store and manage their data . The MABIDA team expressed its gratitude to MSU-GSC for their warm welcome and support. The visit was a significant step towards strengthening the collaboration between the two institutions and contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity in the Mindanao.

NEMSU and MABIDA Team Explore Collaborative Opportunities for Marine Biodiversity and Data Sharing

Lianga, Surigao del Sur — During the visit to Northeastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) on August 22, 2024, the MABIDA team was warmly welcomed by Professor Amor Rojas-Salinas, Chair of the Marine Biology Program. The meeting focused on exploring potential collaborations and future opportunities to enhance marine research and conservation efforts in the region. NEMSU-Lianga, recognized for its specialized Fisheries and Marine Sciences programs, expressed a strong interest in partnering with the MABIDA project. A key outcome of the discussion was the shared objective of contributing data from Surigao del Sur to the MABIDA platform. Professor Rojas-Salinas highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing that sharing marine biodiversity data from the region is crucial, especially given the current lack of sufficient studies or data. This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to elevate the recognition of Surigao del Sur's marine ecosystems, which are rich yet under-researched. The collaboration with MABIDA aims not only to spotlight the area's biodiversity but also to underscore the role of innovation and technology in facilitating access to essential data. By making marine data more accessible, the partnership seeks to inspire further research and conservation initiatives, benefiting both local and international scientific communities.

Aerial Surveys Conducted in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape

Last July 29-31, Mr. Norjan Charls Cabanalan and Ms Irene Faith Makinano of the MABIDA Project assisted the Coral Reef Resiliency and Ecology Studies Laboratory in conducting aerial surveys in selected Marine Protected Areas within Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. These surveys aimed to map the extent of coastal and marine habitats in the study areas, contributing valuable data for conservation and management efforts. The initiatives were made possible through the support of the DENR Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay, led by PASu Cirilio A. Lagnason, Jr., and with assistance from Mr. Ronald Earl B. Reyes, Mr. Aslanie Macabando, Mr. Marx Hazir T. Saraboquez, and Ms. Crissa Mae De Vera.

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