The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (IMFO) recently hosted the 2nd NARFleet Co-Management Workshop, held at the FC Conference Room, Umali Hall, from August 29-30, 2024. The event brought together collaborators and partners from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), Bicol University, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), and UPV.
The National Academic Research Fleet (NARFleet) consists of five research vessels: M/V Panata, M/B Patag, M/V Talingkas, F/V Panayana, and F/V Kalilintad. These vessels, co-managed by the participating state universities and colleges (SUCs), play a crucial role in advancing marine science research (MSR) across different regions of the Philippines. The NARFleet initiative also aims to build the research capacities of partnering organizations and institutions throughout the country.
During the workshop, collaborators discussed several critical topics, including the finalization of the quadripartite Memorandum of Agreement and the establishment of marine science research priorities in the Visayas region. UPV CFOS IMFO is committed to leading the advancement of marine science research capacities in the Visayas region whilst enhancing collaboration with other state universities and colleges (SUCs), higher education institutions (HEIs), and partners in government and private sectors.
Representing UP MSI were Dr. Laura T. David, Dr. Cesar Villanoy, Dr. Charina Lyn Repollo, Dr. Deo Florence Onda, and Capt. Reyan Maalihan, accompanied by NARFleet Co-Management Office (CMO) staff members Jimiah Villanueva, Mariel Jean Carreon, and Jennifer Real. Bicol University was represented by Dr. Ronnel Dioneda, Atty. Alex Nepomuceno, Atty. Daryl Redoblado and Atty. Norly Reyes. Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology was represented by Chancellor Atty. Alizedney Ditucalan, Dr. Ephrime Metillo and Dr. Ivane Gerasmio. UPV was represented by Chancellor Clement Camposano, CFOS Dean Dr. Harold Monteclaro, IMFO Director Dr. Cristy Acabado, Dr. Nathaniel Anasco, Dr. Ricardo Babaran, Dr. Sheila Santander-de Leon, Ms. Jonalyn Mateo, Mr. Christian Morales, Ms. Gency Guirhem-Helican, Ms. Precious Gaurana. The UPV Division of Biological Sciences also participated in this workshop and was represented by Dr. Karen Villarta-Lane and Dr. Wilfredo Campos.
