Three personnel from the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) participated in the 4th International Ocean Camp held on October 20-25, 2024, in Taiwan.
Gardel Xyza S. Libunao (faculty member), Karmelie Jane M. Monaya (REPS), and Nizzy Hope N. Cartago (admin staff) from the Institute of Fish Processing Technology, CFOS, joined other participants from the Philippines representing UPV in the six-day camp hosted by the National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU).
The ocean camp was attended by NTOU sister universities from the Philippines, including UP Visayas, Mindanao State University-Naawan campus, Bataan Peninsula State University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Cagayan State University-Aparri. UPV has forged an agreement with NTOU for academic, research, and cultural relations.
It sought to strengthen the collaboration between NTOU and its sister universities, as well as to raise awareness of ocean and marine research in general and Taiwan in particular.
The participants were welcomed by NTOU president Prof. Tai-Wen Hsu. They were provided with academic lectures, hands-on laboratory exercises, and cultural exchange activities in Keelung and Taipei. They visited the Food and Engineering Laboratory, Aquatic Animal Center, National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, as well as famous places in Taiwan such as Jiufen Old Street, Yehliu Geopark, and Taipei 10. They also took a Chinese class to learn basic Mandarin conversation.
Moreover, the participants joined attendees from universities in Taiwan and Japan in the 2024 USTP x SixERS Joint Symposium, a Taiwan-Japan symposium focused on global sustainability and green technologies and future trends in healthcare and biotechnology.
Libunao, Monaya, and Cartago were grateful for the opportunity to participate in the academic and cultural exchange program, which enriched their understanding about food science and fisheries.
“I was able to gain insights into the latest developments in research at NTOU particularly in the fields of aquaculture, food science, and green technologies. There were a lot of opportunities to exchange ideas with experts in the field during the facility visits and joint symposium. These valued connections will surely enhance the partnership and foster future collaboration with NTOU,” said Libunao.
Monaya remarked that the program provided an opportunity to learn more about fisheries and food science as well as gain new insights and perspectives on relevant topics such as sustainability and climate change.
As an administrative staff, Cartago stated that the experience not only deepened her understanding of marine ecosystems, current research trends, and the collaborative efforts required for sustainable ocean management but also improve her performance allowing her to provide more efficient administrative support, build stronger international partnerships, and contribute to IFPT’s overall growth and success. (With sources from Ms. Gardel Xyza S. Libunao)
