MABIDA Project Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop to Enhance Marine Biodiversity Data Access with DNSC | News Article | Marine Biodiversity Database Project

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MABIDA Project Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop to Enhance Marine Biodiversity Data Access with DNSC

Written by Irene Faith Makinano
Uploaded on Sept. 6, 2023

The MABIDA Project, in partnership with Davao Del Norte State College (DNSC), conducted a capacity-building workshop titled “Deep Dive into the MABIDA Website” on September 6, 2023. Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, Vice President for Academic Affairs at DNSC, actively participated alongside faculty members, researchers, and representatives from the DNSC Biodiversity Museum. The event aimed to equip participants with essential skills for the effective utilization of the Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) website and information system.

DNSC recognizes the unique importance of this initiative, as Mindanao has long been known for its rich marine biodiversity yet remains one of the least explored regions in the Philippines. The workshop represented a concerted effort to address this gap by enhancing the capacity of individuals and organizations in Mindanao to access and utilize marine biodiversity data and resources.

The workshop included comprehensive training on using the MABIDA website, interactive sessions with hands-on practice, and insights from experts in the field. These activities were designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the website's functionalities and how to effectively leverage the available marine biodiversity information.

Overall, the collaboration between the MABIDA Project, DNSC, and other supporting HEIs underscores a shared commitment to marine biodiversity preservation and exploration in Mindanao. It also points to exciting possibilities for future research, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives aimed at further protecting and studying the region’s unique marine ecosystems.

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Faculty members from Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) and Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) completed their three-day training on Fish DNA Barcoding last 19 August 2022. The activity aims to provide benchmarking on the DNA barcoding pipeline — covering concepts and applications to actual laboratory work. The three-day training was led by Mr. Kevin Labrador, University Researcher of the FishDive Project and assisted by Mr. Christian Labrador and Ms. April Mae Numeron of the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao. The participants also had the opportunity to view the facilities of PGC Min. We thank our training participants, Dr. Oliver Tito, Ms. Kathleen Dalope, and Ms. Aldette Dela Cruz of ZSCMST and Dr. Junnasir Sakilan and Dr. Jhoan Rhea Pizon of JRMSU, for their hard work and willingness to conduct more training and capacity building activities in their respective institutions. UP Mindanao and ZSCMST will also enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for scientific cooperation through the ABRAHAM FishDive Project.

MSU Gensan and MABIDA: Exploring Collaborative Frontiers in Marine Biodiversity Research

MSU Gensan and ABRAHAM Project 2 MABIDA looked forward to a collaboration. GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Representatives from the ABRAHAM Program visited the Mindanao State University - General Santos City last 01 August 2022 to present the Program Executive Brief. The team, represented by Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr., Program Leader of ABRAHAM, Mr. Leo Manuel Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Maybelle A. Fortaleza (FishDive), Joemarie J. Lanutan (FishDive), Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan (MABIDA), Geomarie Anne S. Paredes (MABIDA), Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig (MABIDA), and Maria Joselle V. Luzon (MABIDA) were welcomed by Dr. Edna P. Guevarra, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension of MSU-GSC, together with her researchers and staff. The highlights of the meeting were the status of reef fishes on Sarangani Bay, the presentation of the two project components of the Program, and the invitation for scientific collaboration. 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. MSU-Gensan, one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mindanao interested in marine biodiversity and resource management, would be a significant addition to the pool of local experts managing and contributing to the database.

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