The success of the 1st International Conference on Responsible Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture (ICORFASA) owes its profound gratitude to the dedicated individuals whose contributions have been indispensable:
First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman, Prof. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, for entrusting Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) and my leadership as Chancellor with this pivotal project. Your confidence in our university’s capabilities fuels our dedication to pursue and continue our commitment to excellence. I also sincerely appreciate Atty. Lily Frieda Milla for her unwavering support and influential guidance on MSUN’s journey. With such outstanding individuals leading us, I am confident in the collective success we will achieve.
Secondly, I am grateful for the unwavering support of our partner universities: Mindanao State University – Main Campus, led by MSU System President Atty. Basari Mapupuno; University of the Philippines – Visayas, led by Chancellor Clement Camposano; Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, led by Pres. Nordy Siason, Jr. and represented by Dr. Jescel Bito-onon; Western Philippines University, led by Dr. Amabel S. Liao; Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology represented by Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Extension Dr. Rufa Mendez; and Southern Philippines Agri-Business & Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, led by Dr. Lynette A. Bontia.
Special thanks are also extended to the MSU System President Atty. Basari Mapupuno and the esteemed Chancellors of MSU constituent universities. Your unwavering dedication, continuous support, and inspirational leadership serve as guiding beacons, illuminating our journey towards achieving excellence and fostering meaningful impact in our respective fields.
To our plenary speakers — Prof. Sebahattin Ergün of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey; Prof. Dr. Khor Wai Ho of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu; Prof. Dr. Emre Keskin of Ankara University, Turkey; and Prof. Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe of the Asian Institute of Technology — your expertise and the knowledge you have imparted have been crucial to the success of the conference. To our Stakeholders Forum Speakers — Dr. Jericardo S. Mondragon of the National Mariculture Center, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Davao del Norte; Mr. Daniel V. Cabrera of Santeh Feeds Corporation; and Director Edward B. Yasay of BFAR Region X — we are honored to have you and share with you the same goal.
Next, to our esteemed delegates hailing from universities across the globe and here in the Philippines — your vibrant engagement and invaluable contributions have greatly enriched the conference proceedings, bringing diverse perspectives and insights that have elevated the exchange of knowledge and ideas. We extend our sincere appreciation for your dedicated involvement, which undoubtedly played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success.
Of course, our appreciation also goes to our conference sponsors — the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, represented by Hon. Gov. Peter “Sr. Pedro” Unabia, and Santeh Feeds Corporation, represented by National Sales Manager Mr. Daniel V. Cabrera. The same appreciation extends to Naawan’s municipal mayor, Hon. Dennis L. Roa. Your support for the conference has been significantly instrumental in realizing our shared visions.
Last but certainly not least, heartfelt appreciation goes out to our dedicated working committees from MSU at Naawan. Your exceptional creativity, profound intellect, and unwavering determination have been the cornerstone of our achievements throughout this endeavor. Your innovative ideas and tireless efforts have not only brought about tangible results but have also set a standard of excellence that inspires all who witness your contributions. The success of this event is a testament to your hard work and passion, showcasing how your collaborative spirit and steadfast commitment can turn aspirations into reality.
To everyone who has supported the 1st ICORFASA since its inception and promotion on social media, thank you for your unceasing support. Your unwavering encouragement and active engagement have been instrumental in amplifying our message and reaching a wider audience.
The 1st ICORFASA is a result of the project Development of Academic and Exchange Programs for Fisheries and Marine Science among Philippine and Turkish universities, aimed at forging international linkages and partnerships with various stakeholders, academia, scientists, and researchers dedicated to advancing Fisheries and Marine Science. Through ICORFASA, our goal is to ignite innovative thinking, foster collaborative pathways, and inspire ongoing commitment to promoting responsible fisheries and sustainable aquaculture. We hope that ICORFASA has sparked new ideas, paved the way for fruitful collaborations, and encouraged all participants to uphold our shared promise for a sustainable future in fisheries and aquaculture.
–Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa
