In line with the thrust of the Duterte administration, NAST PHL will conduct Regional Scientific Meetings in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. For Visayas, NAST PHL has held the two-day Regional Scientific Meeting (RSM) in Cebu City on April 18-19, 2017. This was in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Visayas Cluster (Region VI, VII, VIII, NIR).
Secretary Fortunato de la Peña of the DOST gave the opening message, followed by NAST Acting President Academician (Acd.) Fabian M. Dayrit who delivered the message from NAST and the objectives of the RSM. Congressman Erico Artistotle C. Aumentado, Chairperson of the Committee of Science and Technology of the Congress and Representative of Bohol 2nd District was the keynote speaker.
Acd. Rhodora V. Azanza focused on the past, present and what is next in seaweeds culture. She delivered a brief background on culturing seaweeds all over the worlds and also some data on the major producing regions of seaweeds in the Philippines. Dr. Maximo A. Ricohermoso also continued in discussing about seaweed culture and how it has been the livelihood source of Philippines fisherfolk today.
Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos (OYS) 2011 and Dr. Danilo B. Largo (OYS) 1999, discussed an analysis of Fishery Harvest and Mariculture. Dr. Santos presented on protected spawning areas and impact of land reclamation of Fisheries while Dr. Largo presented on Integrated Mariculture; development of Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) for tropical species in Southern Cebu, Philippines.
Ms. Leza A, Aconda-Cuevas of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) discussed about Clean Water and Sanitation in Fishing. She pointed out the significance of having a clean water is associated with survival of the fishes.
Acd. Gisela P. Concepcion discussed about Quality Education for Sustainable Development. She presented on Education Systems for a sustainable progress in the Philippines which include various policies to improve education at all levels.
On the second day, Dr. Vincent V. Hilomen of the Biodiversity Management Bureau presented on Climate Change and Fisheries. He discussed the current condition of our Fisheries Resources, various effects of climate change on fisheries.
There was also a Science Legislative Forum with the topic “Towards a Blue Economy” with Dr. Ronald Mendoza and Acd. Rafael Guerrero III as resource persons. Dr. Mendoza highlighted the Philippine’s economic footprint and the National Maritime Agenda’s. Acd. Guerrero III also highlighted the proposal for the creation of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Two dialogues were also conducted in the afternoon of the second day. The first was on Dialogue on Disaster Resiliency: Business Continuity led by Dr. Renato Solidum, DOST Undersecretary for Risk Reduction and management. Dr. Solidum pointed out that imagination in Disaster Management is crucial to self-actualize the disaster impacts. Hence, the success if disaster preparedness among the stakeholders rally a thorough and extensive degree of awareness.
This was followed by a second Dialogue on Emerging Diseases in Shrimp Culture led by Dr. Rolando V. Pakingking, Jr. of Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center and Ms. Roselyn C. Usero of Negros Prawn Producers Cooperative Inc. Dr. Pakingking, Jr. highlighted the top bacterial threat of emerging diseases of shrimps identified through genetic information and symptoms exhibited among shrimps. On the other hand, Ms. Usero presented updates in shrimp diseases based on farming experiences and recommended strategies to address these various diseases.Recommended resolutions were presented during the forum and have been submitted for further clarifications and approval.