Researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) conducted a series of collaborative activities with the University of the Philippines Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (UPV CFOS) in Miagao and the Institute of Aquaculture Brackishwater Aquaculture Center in Leganes, Iloilo from January 13 to 16, 2025. The visit was in connection with their ongoing study on bangus exposomics.
The visiting researchers are members and collaborators of the UPLB-DOST PCAARRD Bangus Exposomics: Integrated Profiling and Health Monitoring of Milkfish in the Philippines project, housed at the Institute of Biological Sciences, UPLB, and led by Dr. Ronilo Jose D. Flores. The multidisciplinary research team is composed of experts in biology, agricultural and applied economics, mathematics, and development communication.
Their week-long visit kicked off with a training on January 13 with Dr. Pamela A. Custodio of the research team and Ms. Ruth Antoinette D. Chin of Noveaulab Asia Corp. who served as resource speakers for the training on data journalism and bioinformatics, respectively.
They provided in-depth knowledge in principles and applications of data visualization to encourage communication of scientific research findings to lay audiences, as well as offered fundamental bioinformatics knowledge to the CFOS-IA faculty, REPS, project staff, and graduate students.
As part of the knowledge exchange, the research staff of the project participated in the Training on Sustainable Best Practices and Farm Management for Milkfish Brackishwater Pond Aquaculture on January 14 along with participants from Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) and Leganes LGU.
They were exposed to current status, trends, and opportunities in milkfish aquaculture in the Philippines, health management strategies and the application of probiotics, nutritional requirements and feeding management, and best practices in nursery management and live transport techniques, and hands-on practical training on live handling and transport.
They were trained by BAC Station Head Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana, CFOS-IA faculty members Dr. Carmelo S. del Castillo and Dr. Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar, and University Researcher Ms. Rosy L. Janeo.
On January 15, the research team – in coordination with the BAC – conducted a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) with fish farmers from Leganes and Dumangas, along with a representative from Leganes LGU. During the activity, partner fish farmers were able to contribute localized knowledge, and share their day-to-day practices as well as lived experiences in the culture of bangus in brackishwater ponds.
The CFOS-IA BAC also provided them with facilities to conduct their sampling-collection with locally-acquired milkfish.
The Bangus Exposomics Project research team will be coordinating with and will be assisted by the CFOS-IA BAC in future activities related to the completion of their research project.
This DOST PCAARRD-GIA-funded project, carried out by the Inland Aquatic Resource Research Division – IARRD, and led by UP Los Baños is geared towards strengthening milkfish health and sustainability in the Philippines through generation of science-based insights in support to a healthier milkfish sector and more resilient milkfish industry.
Written by Yan Esquivel
#UniversityofthePhilippinesVisayas
