MSU at Naawan Showcase Breakthrough Research at Seaweed and Seagrass Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum
Mindanao State University at Naawan proudly made its mark at the recently concluded Seaweed and Seagrass Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum: Advancing Resource Management and Sustainability held on September 9–10, 2025, at Hampton, Astoria Plaza Hotel, Ortigas, Pasig City.
Representing MSU at Naawan were two of its leading researchers, Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy, Professor Emeritus and Center Head of the Sea Cucumber R&D Center, and Dr. Anabelle Dece Espadero, Director for Research and Innovation Institute as well as Center head of Coral Reef Management Hub Center.
Dr. Uy presented “Seaweed R&D Initiatives of MSU at Naawan”, highlighting the university’s advancements in sustainable seaweed farming technologies, research collaborations, and the role of seaweed in strengthening coastal livelihoods. His talk emphasized MSUN’s commitment to both food security and climate change resilience through innovative aquaculture solutions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Espadero contributed to the Seagrass R&D Presentations with her study titled “MSU at Naawan’s Contributions to Seagrass Research, Blue Carbon Science, and Community-Based Conservation Strategies.” Her presentation emphasizes the vital role of seagrass ecosystems in biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and community-driven coastal resource management.
Their active participation placed MSU at Naawan at the forefront of national conversations on marine resource sustainability, alongside experts from premier institutions such as UP Marine Science Institute, UP Visayas, and other leading universities.
The forum, hosted by MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) Seaweed Research and Development Center (SeaRDeC), and DOST-PCAARRD, served as a platform to consolidate research efforts and chart the country’s Seaweed and Seagrass R&D Agenda for 2026–2030.
With the contributions of Dr. Uy and Dr. Espadero, MSU at Naawan once again demonstrated its strong commitment to sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine ecosystem management, staying true to its mission of supporting local communities while promoting global environmental stewardship.
