The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), through the Institute of Aquaculture of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, actively contributed to the successful conduct of a three-day training on pond-based culture of Anguilla marmorata (giant mottled eel) hosted by Isabela State University (ISU).
The training was held from March 4 to 6, 2026 at the Freshwater Fisheries Center in Echague, Isabela, with ISU Vice President for Planning and Development Dr. Isagani P. Angeles Jr. as lead, in cooperation with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 2 (BFAR RO2) and partner commercial eel farms.
The activity was funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), with support from Ms. Virna G. Salac, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), together with Ms. Janet Jane V. Saraza, Science Research Specialist, and project staff Mr. Ivan Timothy Glenn F. Gatdula and Mr. Christian Q. Bero, both serving as Project Technical Specialist.
Representing UPV, Prof. Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar and Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana served as resource speakers and delivered lectures on key aspects of eel culture, including weaning protocols, feed preparation, and health management. They worked alongside ISU faculty experts, including Dr. Marites R. Castro and Dr. Mary Joy L. Asprec, in facilitating discussions and hands-on activities that enabled participants to develop practical skills essential for field application.
Through the sharing of its experience in eel nursery systems, feed development, and health management, UPV supported ISU in promoting science-based approaches to eel production. These contributions are particularly relevant given the challenges associated with A. marmorata culture, including dependence on wild seedstock, low weaning efficiency, and survival constraints during early life stages.
To further contextualize these challenges, a stakeholders’ meeting was convened during the training. The meeting brought together aquaculture practitioners, researchers, government personnel, and private sector partners to discuss key industry issues and identify critical research gaps. The insights generated are expected to inform the development of a more comprehensive research and development roadmap for the eel industry.
The activity also opened opportunities for expanding collaboration between UPV and ISU, particularly in areas such as resource mapping, student exchange programs, and faculty mentoring.
Overall, UPV’s participation reflects its broader mandate of public service and national development. By supporting capacity-building initiatives across regions, including fellow State University and Colleges, UPV contributes to strengthening local institutions and promoting sustainable, science-based aquaculture practices. This collaboration with ISU underscores the value of academic partnerships in advancing a more resilient and progressive aquaculture sector.
Written by UPV CFOS-IA
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