September 2024

The Department of Agriculture – Fisheries Biotechnology Center recently concluded a comprehensive five-day training workshop, Biotechnology 101: Theory, Practice, and Application in Aquaculture and Fisheries, held from September 9 to 13, 2024, at the BFAR National Fisheries Technology Center in the CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including esteemed faculty members from the MSUN School of Marine Fisheries and Technology, Ms. Marnelle B. Sornito and Mr. Emmanuel S. Delloro Jr. Throughout the event, the participants engaged in a series of lectures and hands-on activities designed to deepen their understanding of biotechnology’s applications in aquaculture and fisheries. The training kicked off with a focus on morphology and necropsy examination, providing participants the opportunity to gain practical experience in identifying and analyzing fish health conditions. In the following days, they delved into more advanced techniques, including DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which are essential tools in genetic research and diagnostics. These sessions aimed to familiarize participants with molecular biology techniques that are increasingly critical in the management of fish populations and the development of disease-resistant strains. In addition to these foundational skills, the workshop also offered hands-on training in gel electrophoresis, a method used to separate DNA fragments, and a bioinformatics lecture, which introduced participants to the analysis and interpretation of biological data. The final day of the training featured a session on primer designing, a crucial step in PCR processes, which equipped attendees with the knowledge to develop primers tailored for specific genetic studies. The event concluded with group presentations, where participants showcased their learnings, followed by the awarding of certificates. Overall, the workshop provided a platform for participants to explore the latest innovations in biotechnology, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to apply these techniques in aquaculture and fisheries. By offering both theoretical and practical insights, the event highlights the importance of biotechnology in promoting sustainable practices and advancing the growth of these industries.

From August 29 to September 3, 2024, Dr. Venus E. Leopardas, along with Marine Biology graduate student Ms. Angela Grace E. Singson, represented Mindanao State University at Naawan at the Summer Course, “Journey Among North Sumatran Mangroves: Mangrove Play Important Roles as Climate Change Solution and Low Carbon Development.” The event was hosted by the Center of Excellence for Mangrove at Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The ongoing partnership between MSUN and Universitas Sumatera Utara opened the door for Dr. Leopardas to deliver a highly engaging lecture on “Monitoring Mangrove Biodiversity Using eDNA Metabarcoding.” Her lecture was well-received, highlighting innovative research on how environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to track and conserve the biodiversity of mangrove ecosystems. Ms. Singson actively participated in the summer course, which provided a comprehensive and immersive learning experience for participants from a variety of cultural and academic backgrounds. This opportunity allowed her to deepen her understanding of marine benthic ecosystems, with a special focus on mangrove forests. The exposure to diverse perspectives and knowledge enriched her appreciation for the critical role that mangroves play in combating climate change and supporting low-carbon development. This experience not only advanced Ms. Singson’s academic journey but also strengthened MSUN’s collaboration with international institutions in promoting sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

On September 7, 2024, Saturday, a delegation from Mindanao State University at Naawan visited the Research Institute of Aquaculture 2 (RIA2), Thu Duc Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The delegation included Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Secretary of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and Mr. Victor Navarro, Director of the Center for Aquaculture Research, Enterprise & Services. RIA2 is a prominent institution for aquaculture research and development in southern Vietnam. It has established productive collaborations with numerous international organizations, including the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), a partner in the Sandfish Project. During the visit, the MSUN delegation was given a tour of one RIA2’s center, Thu Duc Center, by Director Le Ngoc Hanh. The MSUN delegation’s visit aimed to gain valuable insights into best practices in aquaculture, with a specific focus on hatchery facilities and protocols. This visit builds on MSUN’s ongoing efforts to innovate and excel in aquaculture, following their previous visit to the hatchery at Can Tho University. The university is committed to advancing sustainable aquaculture and fisheries on its campus, ensuring the provision of exceptional services and contributing to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and food security.

On September 5, 2024, a delegation from Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) visited Can Tho University in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of academic collaboration between the two institutions. The delegation includes Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Director for International Affairs and Linkages, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Secretary of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and Mr. Victor Navarro, Director of the Center for Aquaculture Research, Enterprise & Services. The visit, which was organized by the College of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CAF) at Can Tho University, aimed to explore and foster collaboration opportunities in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries research, academic collaboration, and student exchange programs. A highlight of the visit was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MSUN and Can Tho University. The MOU solidifies the academic partnership between the two institutions, opening up new opportunities for collaborative research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, and joint academic activities. The agreement is expected to benefit the faculties, staff, and students of both universities, providing avenues for professional growth, research development, and international exposure. Additionally, the MOU focuses on fostering mutual growth and innovation, particularly in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries, areas in which both universities have established expertise. The MSUN delegates were also given the opportunity to tour Can Tho University’s hatchery facilities, where they benchmarked best practices in aquaculture. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the operational and research methodologies employed by Can Tho University, which could potentially be adapted and applied to enhance MSUN’s own research and extension services. The tour reinforced the commitment of both universities to shared learning and continuous improvement in aquaculture technologies. With both universities eager to nurture this collaboration, more joint initiatives are expected in the future, including student exchanges, collaborative conferences, joint publications, and cooperative research projects. The partnership between MSUN and Can Tho University represents a step forward in building strong academic networks that will contribute to the global development of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries practices.

Commemorating 63rd Mindanao State University (MSU) founding anniversary and 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the MSU at Naawan enjoyed a series of festive events on September 1, 2024. Organized by the Human Resource Management Office, in coordination with the Culture and Sports Development Office, the day began an hour before dawn with a fitness walk followed by a Zumba session. “We celebrate today not just successfully arriving at the 63rd mark of MSU’s journey, but we are actually celebrating the journey itself – the progress that we experience, the process that we all take. It is a state university that is marked with excellence, with growth, and with impact, not only to the community, but even to our personal lives,” said Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Asst. Prof. Gergie A. Ambato in her opening remarks. She also added, “Many of us probably had principles and beliefs before we came to MSU. But as many of us are graduates of MSU, we actually learn diversity, we learn unity, we learn to coexist, and those marks are what we are as MSUan.” Furthermore, Asst. Prof. Ambato emphasized the resilience, collaboration, and shared commitment that have defined MSU’s journey. She highlighted the significance of the university’s mission to provide quality and affordable education to the MinSuPala region, particularly to Muslims, Christians, and Lumads. She concluded by congratulating the entire MSU family for their dedication and for being part of this incredible legacy. The festivities continued with the Laro ng Kawani ng Gobyerno, an event enjoyed by faculty, staff, and even students, and concluded with an Employee General Assembly. Founded on September 1, 1961, through Republic Act 1387 and Republic Act 1893, MSU has grown significantly in response to national and local needs. Originally established by the late Senator Domocao Alonto with its main campus in Marawi City, the university has expanded into a system with multiple campuses across major regions in Mindanao and Sulu. As we celebrate 63 years of success, MSU remains committed to its mission and looks forward to many more years of excellence and service to the community.  Once again happy 63rd birthday, MSU!