Fifty-two graduating Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSF) students from the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) showcased their undergraduate research at the 2026 Thesis Colloquium on May 13, 2026.
Held at the AV Hall of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Miagao campus, the event served as a platform for the next generation of fisheries professionals to share insights related to aquaculture, post-harvest technology, capture fisheries, and fisheries management.
The colloquium featured both oral and poster presentations.
Twenty students competed in the oral competition, featuring nine studies in aquaculture, five in fish processing technology, four in capture fisheries, and three in fisheries management.
Thirty-two posters were exhibited with 16 competing and 16 non-competing entries.
The one-day activity featured a plenary talk by Dr. Emilia T. Quinitio, a crab culture specialist and a retired Senior Scientist at SEAFDEC-AQD.
In her lecture, “Why Scientific Research Matters in a Changing World,” Quinitio urged the students to do research not just to be published but also for impactful findings, so that the time, dedication, and resources spent serve a greater purpose.
“When doing research, do it to address an issue that affects the industry or the community,” Quinitio emphasized. “Do it the right way.”
In his opening remarks, CFOS Dean Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro congratulated the participants, noting that the colloquium represents more than just a requirement for their Fish 200 course.
“The thesis presentation is a celebration of inquiry, perseverance, and intellectual growth,” Monteclaro said. “Each study presented today reflects curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to addressing real-world concerns within our communities. You have not only fulfilled an academic obligation, but you also contributed to the advancement of this College.”
The dean encouraged the young scholars to communicate their findings responsibly, reminding them that “knowledge becomes meaningful when shared effectively.”
This year marks the second college-wide colloquium for CFOS, following a shift from the previous format where the four institutes conducted its own separate sessions. By bringing the different institutes together in one venue, the activity fostered a broader exchange of ideas of the different disciplines of fisheries science.
Winners for both the oral and poster competitions will be officially announced during the CFOS Pagpasidungog on July 8, 2026.
Written by Lenilyn B. Gallos
Photos courtesy of Lenilyn B. Gallos
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