Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division - IARRD

CALLING ALL INTERESTED APPLICANTS! 📣📢

The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division is HIRING!

We are looking for a Chief Science Research Specialist who will lead us in forwarding Research and Development programs aimed at addressing challenges in the aquatic sector. 📝✨

For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/IARRDCSRSHiring

Today, we honor and recognize the contributions of our fisherfolk, the very individuals who help ensure food security and sustain the livelihoods of communities across the country. ✨

As we celebrate National Fisherfolk Day, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside you through Research and Development programs that are aimed at developing technologies for a more productive and sustainable fisheries sector.

Isang taos-pusong pagpupugay sa lahat ng ating mga mangingisda! Patuloy po ninyo kaming maaasahan bilang kaagapay sa pagsusulong at pagpapalago ng sektor ng pangisdaan. 🎣🎣🎏

“Bangus health, hatchery and nursery production, grow-out and post-harvest, genomics, broodstock development and management, and other relevant topics.” 🎯💭

These were among the key topics discussed during the consultation meeting for milkfish and mangrove crab held at the University of the Philippines Visayas last May 11–12, 2026.

The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division conducted an extensive consultation and roundtable discussion with experts and project leaders from UPV. The activity aimed to craft a holistic roadmap that would cover the results of the milkfish consultations conducted with different industry partners and milkfish producing areas in the country. 📝

Mangrove Crab ISP roadmap was also presented to solicit expert opinions on its existing programs and technologies, as well as, identify its further direction.

Participants assessed the 2022–2028 Milkfish and Mangrove Crab ISP Roadmap and ensured that the proposed projects remain aligned with the current needs of the industry.

Through the guidance of the technical evaluators, Prof. Valeriano Corre, Jr., Private Consultant, and Dr. Felix Ayson, Professor at Central Philippine University, the group was able to package R&D programs that would directly address the identified gaps. ✅✅

CHECK THIS OUT: The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) conducted a coordination meeting with PSU-Binmaley Team and Samahan ng Magbabangus ng Pangasinan (SAMAPA), consultation Meeting with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Bangus Focal Team regarding the Milkfish ISP, and Field-visit at Key Milkfish Sakeholders in Paombong Bulacan on May 4-6, 2025 ✨🎯

During the meeting, the discussion revolved around the Milkfish ISP S&T Roadmap and the possible collaboration with key stakeholders in PSU Binmaley.

Mr. Christopher Aldo Sibayan, Chairman of SAMAPA and member of the PSU-Binmaley Project Team, also shared insights on the current situation of the industry and possible interventions through R&D.

The IARRD team also held a consultation meeting with BFAR’s National Bangus Development Program Focal Team. The meeting was attended by RD Wilfredo M. Cruz, Regional Director of BFAR Region III and his team, along with milkfish focals from all regions and representatives from BFAR’s National Centers via Zoom. The discussion focused on PCAARRD's Strategic R&D, along with IARRD's ongoing and completed milkfish projects.

Lastly, the team then visited nursery operators to observe the farming practices and operations being employed in Paombong farms. 📝💯

“Mga 2016, pa ako naglo-longline... tinuturuan ko na nga sila ... kasi ang longline di agad nasisira” - Joseph Lama, tahong farmer. 💫

In line with the effort to verify the technologies adopted and deployed, the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division, together with Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Deputy Executive Director for RD, and Dr. Harold Monteclaro, mussel project leader, visited and conducted consultation meetings with tahong farmers in Jiabong, Samar last May 5-6, 2026.

Mr. Lama is one of the tahong farmers who has been utilizing mussel longline technology in tahong farming, one of the significant indicators that the technology continues to deliver its intended benefits to the community.

During the visit, the farmers shared that tahong farming has been their main source of income for years, supplying products to Davao, Bicol, and Metro Manila.

The team also visited Samar State University in preparation for an upcoming partnership on a lined-up project aimed at addressing the challenges brought by the oil crisis. In addition, consultations were conducted with the Provincial Government of Samar and Plentex Philippines Inc. to explore possible partnerships for the mussel industry in the area.

These series of consultations were followed by a consultation meeting on May 7, 2026 with UP Tacloban College and a visit to the first mussel glycogen plant in the country, established by the institution. This was attended by Visayas State University, Leyte State University, and Eastern Visayas State University, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Region VIII, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - VIII and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

These engagements aim to gather insights from partner stakeholders and State Universities and Colleges on the current gaps that research and development can still address regarding the mussel ISP.

Finally, the team also conducted a site visit to the mussel longline areas in Leyte, Leyte on May 8, 2026, where the technology has become the primary method used by farmers in mussel production. Through the help of BFAR-Region VIII to disseminate the technology, this has now been serving its purpose to sustaining the livelihood of the tahong farmers. 📝🎯

Looking for support programs that match your research and academic goals? 🔬📚

DOST-PCAARRD offers a range of assistance programs designed to support graduate students and researchers in advancing science, technology, and innovation.

Explore opportunities through:
• Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (GREAT) Program
• Thesis/Dissertation Assistance Program
• Publication Incentives Program

Whether you are conducting thesis, pursuing graduate studies, or aiming to publish your scientific work, these programs may provide the assistance you need to further your research and studies. 💡

Look at the opportunities available and discover how DOST-PCAARRD can support your journey. You can also directly inquire through the Institution Development Division of Pcaarrd

CHECK THIS OUT:

The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division participated in a productive benchmarking activity for one of its ongoing project, “Project 1: SPATSS (Smart Production and Advanced Technologies for Sustainable Seedstock Supply in Hatcheries)” under the ISSDA4PH Program: Innovative Smart Systems for Data-driven Aquaculture to Promote a Sustainable and Inclusive Blue Economy in the Philippines, led by Engr. Glen Espeña of DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center in Sorsogon from April 27 to April 30, 2026. 🗓️

As part of the project deliverables, the team visited the facilities of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - National Seaweeds Technology Development Center (BFAR-NSTDC) to benchmark their existing photobioreactor and facilitate discussions on their ongoing initiatives. Also present during the benchmarking was BFAR-National Fisheries Development Center, as the project’s collaborator, represented by its Chief, Dr. Dennis Tanay.

The team also visited Sorsogon State University - Sorsogon City Campus to conduct a consultation on the institution’s current resources and potential areas for collaboration, as well as to identify existing gaps in Sorsogon that can be addressed through R&D. 📝

SorSU officials in attendance included Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Ryan V. Dio, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training; and Dr. Catherine A. De Castro, Director, Planning Management Office.

Additionally, the team visited the SorSU–Magallanes Campus, including the SorSU Provincial Government Saline Tilapia Hatchery. ✨

LOOK: The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division, together with the Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, Deputy Executive Director tor Research and Development, conducted a consultation and coordination activity from April 12 to 15, 2026, in Cebu. ✨

This focused on the proposed field-testing of Philippine island-borne Penaeus vannamei and the field validation of adopted technologies under the Shrimp ISP at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Field Office VII and the Oversea Feed Corporation farm and feed mill.

The consultation with BFAR Regional Field Office VII led by Regional Director Mario Ruinata, aimed to establish a partnership for the proposed field-testing of Philippine island-borne Penaeus vannamei. 🦐

Additionally, the team met with Oversea Feed Corporation, with attendees including Mr. Carlos Co, President; Mr. Christopher Co, COO; Mr. Armir Binato, Farm Manager; and Mr. Valeriano Corre Jr., Private Consultant. The meeting centered on the Shrimp ISP Roadmap and the proposed field-testing of Philippine island-borne Penaeus vannamei.

A field validation of the adopted Shrimp ISP technologies at the Oversea Feed Corporation farm was also conducted. 🎯🎯