Recognizing the vital importance of bringing scientific knowledge directly to the communities it serves, the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) brought Pagpanghimanwa 3.0 to Leganes, Iloilo.
Held at the Brackishwater Aquaculture Center (BAC) in Brgy. Nabitasan, with the theme, “Paghiliugyon para sa Kauswagan“ (Partnership for Development), the event highlighted the university’s enduring partnership with the local government unit and its dedication to community-based public service.
Organized in celebration of the 79th Anniversary of the U.P. Presence in Iloilo, this year’s Pagpanghimanwa 3.0 featured a series of public service sessions led by different CFOS institutes, covering aquaculture, fisheries processing, coastal resource management, environmental awareness, and science communication.
In his welcome message, CFOS Dean Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro emphasized that bringing Pagpanghimanwa, a local term meaning public engagement, to Leganes reflects UP Visayas’ recognition that it is not merely an institution located in the municipality but a member of the Leganes community.
“This year we bring Pagpanghimanwa to Leganes because we recognize that UP Visayas is a member of the Leganes community,” Monteclaro said.
He pointed that the BAC, established in 1973, has been part of the community for 53 years, which is a testament to this longstanding connection.
“We are very happy to be here. Thank you, Leganes LGU, for supporting us,” Monteclaro said, expressing his appreciation to the local government and participants for their cooperation in the conduct of Pagpanghimanwa.
The importance of this university-community partnership was likewise underscored in the message of Leganes Mayor Vicente “JunJun” Jaen II, delivered by Cheryl B. Fernandez, Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
“Knowledge has its greatest value when it serves the people,” Jaen stated, stressing that research must reach the communities whose lived experiences give it true meaning.
Mayor Jaen expressed his strong support for the partnership with UPV, which has served as a link between the university’s fisheries research and the local community for decades.
“We believe that meaningful progress is achieved when government, academe, researchers and communities come together with a common purpose,” he said.
He challenged participants to look beyond simply attending the activity. He encouraged everyone to share their learning.
UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, in a message delivered by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Alice Joan G. Ferrer, underscored that science-based knowledge is a powerful foundation for meaningful and sustainable local development, but its greatest impact is realized when it reaches the communities that can apply it.
The Chancellor highlighted the potential of local resources such as tilapia, bangus, mangroves, and other natural assets, boost food production, create livelihoods, and build more resilient communities. He stressed, however, that these resources must be properly understood, managed, and responsibly utilized.
“Knowledge creates greater impact when it moves beyond laboratories, classrooms, and research publications and reaches the people who can apply it in their daily lives and communities,” Camposano said.
This year’s Pagpanghimanwa empowered the Leganes community through hands-on technical workshops and educational outreach.
The Institute of Aquaculture (IA) conducted Training on Saline Tilapia Grow-out Culture for fisherfolk and fish farmers. The session covered key processes and techniques for the grow-out stage of saline tilapia culture, including practices needed to sustain and improve aquaculture operations.
The Institute of Fish Processing Technology (IFPT) led a Training-Workshop on Milkfish Deboning, Smoking, and Waste Valorization. Participants were introduced to proper post-harvest handling and preparation of milkfish, smoking as a preservation technology, and approaches to waste valorization, including the conversion of processing discards into fermented products.
Experts from the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (IMFO) trained representatives from the Leganes MENRO, Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Bantay Dagat, and fisherfolk groups on mangrove mapping and documentation.
The Training-Workshop on Mangrove Mapping and Remote Sensing covered the use of QGIS, an open-source software for digital mapping and geospatial analysis, as well as mobile applications providing information on wind speed, wave height, and rainfall. Participants also learned mangrove photography techniques for documenting and archiving mangrove species in coastal areas.
The Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS) brought Lakbay Turo: Environmental Consciousness Sessions to Bungso-an Elementary School, engaging young learners and teachers in discussions on marine conservation, environmental stewardship, and the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.
Complementing these technical and environmental activities was the Training-Workshop on Writing Science for the People, led by the CFOS Science Communication Committee.
The activity strengthened the capacity of selected high school students and local government communicators to communicate science and community issues in ways that are accessible, relevant, and meaningful to the public.
Pagpanghimanwa reinforces CFOS’s commitment to making research and scientific expertise more accessible, strengthening collaboration with local government, and ensuring that the knowledge and experiences of coastal communities remain central to efforts toward sustainable local development.
The first two “Pagpanghimanwa” outreach activities took place at the Municipality of Miagao, where the UPV main campus is located.
Written by Lenilyn B. Gallos
Photos by CFOS Pagpagpanghimanwa 3.0 Documentation Committee
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