Research and development (R&D) proposals on milkfish, tilapia, eel, shrimp, and inland biodiversity were evaluated by the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The evaluation and technical review was held on March 11 and 12, 2020 at PCAARRD headquarters.
A total of 15 proposals were presented (6 for milkfish, 4 for tilapia, 3 for eel, 1 for shrimp, and 1 for inland biodiversity) during the review.
The proposals on milkfish focused on the utilization of genome-based approaches to generate and develop genomics-enabled resources, tools, and technologies designed to improve milkfish aquaculture production.
Meanwhile, the proposal on Shrimp Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) aims to determine the genetic diversity of the freshwater prawn in the country. On the other hand, the proposals on tilapia aim to improve the tilapia aquaculture production by enhancing its nutrition through nanotechnology and supplementation.
Lastly, proposals on eel and ludong focused on the nursery production of these species.
The Technical Review and Evaluation Panel (TREP) were composed of Mr. Wilfredo G. Yap, Executive Director of SANTEH S&T Foundation, Inc.; Dr. Ma. Rowena R. Eguia, Scientist from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD); Dr. Francisco B. Elegado, Scientist from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (BIOTECH-UPLB); and Dr. Relicardo M. Coloso, Professor at the University of San Agustin.
According to Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, PCAARRD Executive Director, he is glad to know the projects being proposed and hopes that the discussions during the review will be an exchange of ideas and expertise, as evaluators can also serve as mentors to the researchers during the revision of their proposals.
A total of 30 participants including the proponents from 7 different universities/research institutions attended the review including University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), University of the Philippines – Institute of Biology (UP-IB), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Western Philippines University (WPU), Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Isabela State University (ISU), and Cagayan State University (CSU).