MABIDA Project Highlights Marine Biodiversity Database and 3D Technology at NSTW 2024
Written by Irene Faith Makinano
Uploaded on Dec. 1, 2024
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Marine Biodiversity Database (MABIDA) Project participated in the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW), held from November 27 to December 1 at The Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. The event was centered around the main theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and the subtheme “Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Green Economy.”
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology, the NSTW served as a platform for showcasing innovations that focus on human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability—the core themes of the science and technology exhibits.
Alongside the MABIDA Project, the FishDive Project was also present at the exhibit, contributing to the display of marine science and technology under the ABRAHAM Program. The MABIDA Project captivated audiences with its cutting-edge 3D scanning and printing technology, featuring lifelike 3D models of marine species. Visitors had the opportunity to experience 3D scanning firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of the process and its applications in marine science. Additionally, visitors were introduced to the project’s comprehensive marine database, which catalogs the diverse marine flora and fauna of Mindanao. These innovations highlight the project’s commitment to advancing marine conservation and education while providing tools for the sustainable management of marine biodiversity.
Through its exhibit, the MABIDA Project demonstrated how science and technology can drive practical solutions for the green economy, in alignment with the NSTW’s goal of fostering resilience, sustainability, and a brighter future. The exhibit emphasized the transformative potential of marine science and technology, showcasing how these innovations could help tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices in marine ecosystems.
Other Articles
CSU & MABIDA: Forging Marine Biodiversity Collaboration
CSU and ABRAHAM Project 2 MABIDA met for the first time for a possible collaboration. BUTUAN CITY - Researchers from the ABRAHAM Program conducted a courtesy visit to Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City on 09 September 2022 to present the executive brief of the program. The team, represented by Mr. Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Project Leader of MABIDA, and researchers Kevin L. Labrador from FishDive, Norjan Charls M. Cabanalan, Geomarie Anne S. Paredes, Ralph Raleigh P. Dalig, and Maria Joselle V. Luzon from MABIDA, were welcomed by Dr. Romell A. Seronay, Research and Extension Coordinator Chief of CSU, together with the faculty and staff of the Biology Department. Dr. Seronay started the meeting with a brief introduction of the representatives of CSU and a presentation of the current research thrusts of CSU's Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CRÈME). Objectives and outputs of the program were presented, including the database and website being continuously updated. They also discussed potential areas for collaboration. MABIDA aims to create a comprehensive database on Philippine reef fishes specifically for the regions under the Celebes Sea and part of the Sulu Sea. CSU, one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mindanao interested in marine biodiversity and resource management, is highly invited and encouraged to populate the database and conduct collaborative scientific activities.
FishDive Project Conducts Courtesy Visit to Regional BFAR Offices in Koronadal and General Santos
The research team of FishDive Project conducted a courtesy visit to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region XII Office in Koronadal City and in BFAR XII Regional Fisheries Laboratory in General Santos City to introduce and discuss the training and capacity building activities offered through the ABRAHAM-FishDive Project. Fishing Regulations Officer II Paul Benedict Gepte welcomed the research team and expressed their interest in the training modules presented. The research team also visited the BFAR XII Regional Fisheries Laboratory in General Santos City where the lab facilities are stationed. Ma’am Eugene Gay Jamora, the Laboratory Manager of BFAR XII RFL received copies of the training modules and gave an overview of the facilities and services they currently offer. The BFAR XII RFL expressed their interest in conducting training on DNA barcoding, which the CRREST Laboratory has been offering since 2019. Earlier this month, Dr. Cleto L. Nañola, Jr. and Assistant Regional Director Omar M. Sabal, RFT met at the 5th PAMB-SBPS Executive Committee Meeting where the latter expressed his interest in the same training modules presented to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (DENR-PAMO-SBPS). The CRREST Laboratory through the #FishDiveProject is looking forward to working with the government agencies in Region 12 to contribute to the increase in scientific capability, particularly in the interest of supporting the implementation of the Fisheries Management Area 3.
