With its recent accreditation by the Professional Regulation Commission as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provider for fisheries, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) hosted its first CPD-accredited program.
This milestone event was a webinar titled “Advancing Aquaculture: Gene Silencing Techniques for Sustainable Shrimp Farming,” held on June 19, 2024 via Zoom, with Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao as the keynote speaker.
Fisheries professionals from across the Philippines participated in the program, representing various sectors, including academe (SUCs), national government agencies (BFAR and DENR), industry (Aquaculture Companies), local government units (Agriculture Offices), and research and development institutions (SEAFDEC/AQD and NFRDI).
Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado, Dean of the School of Marine Fisheries and Technology, warmly welcomed the participants. He emphasized the critical role that genetics and molecular biology play in advancing aquaculture and fisheries. Dr. Arriesgado highlighted how knowledge of cutting-edge technologies could be leveraged to promote sustainable food production.
Dr. Fagutao’s lecture offered a comprehensive and insightful overview of gene silencing techniques and their applications in sustainable shrimp farming. He enriched his presentation with the latest research developments and practical approaches for implementing these techniques.
Despite the novelty of the topic for many attendees, participants eagerly engaged in a discussion with Dr. Fagutao. They explored the challenges and bottlenecks of large-scale applications, consumer safety concerns regarding aquaculture products using gene silencing technology, and efficient administration techniques. This interactive question-and-answer session fostered a collaborative learning environment and facilitated the exchange of relevant knowledge.
One of the participants, Ms. Joy Dinagsao, a fisheries professional currently affiliated with Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation, shared her impressions regarding the webinar. She emphasized that it is reassuring to see significant research developments in disease management in shrimp production through gene silencing, as this has been a pressing problem in the industry for a long time. Additionally, she thanked MSUN for spearheading this relevant webinar and expressed her hope for more similar programs to be conducted in the future
Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Chancellor of MSUN, concluded the program by expressing her gratitude to the University and the participants for making the webinar a success. She assured that this event marks just the beginning, with more CPD programs for fisheries to be offered by the University in the coming months. Chancellor Roa also emphasized the webinar’s importance in advancing the aquaculture and fisheries industry as a whole.
This inaugural CPD-accredited program of MSUN was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the University’s efforts to promote sustainable aquaculture practices. It reflects the University’s commitment to forging the minds of both its constituents and the broader community for a better tomorrow. The knowledge and insights shared during the event underscore the importance of continued collaboration and professional development in this field.
The University looks forward to hosting more such impactful events, continuing its mission to foster knowledge exchange and drive innovation in aquaculture and fisheries.
