Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division - IARRD

10/11/2026

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) continued to champion science, technology, and innovation (STI)-driven initiatives that address pressing concerning affecting the AANR sector.

08/11/2026

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍 | 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐏𝐂𝐀𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐃 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC) participates in the Annual Program Review of Inland Aquatic Research and Development (R&D) Projects, organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) via Zoom.

The review aims to assess ongoing R&D project accomplishments, identify new science and technology (S&T) initiatives based on research gaps, and determine mature technologies for dissemination and commercialization.

Representing FAC, under the National Tilapia R&D Program A. Ensuring Accessibility of FaST™ Strain for Productive, Profitable, and Sustainable Grow-out Operations, Dr. Karl Marx A. Quiazon presents the accomplishments of “Project 1: Upscaling of FaST™ Strain Breeding Nucleus for Wider Dissemination of Quality Broodstock and Fingerlings for the Tilapia Industry”, while Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz presents “Project 4: Aquaculture Innovations and Strategies for Increased Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability of Tilapia Grow-out Production”.

Through these initiatives, FAC continues to advance tilapia aquaculture through improved breeding technologies, and sustainable production practices, contributing to a more productive and competitive Philippine tilapia industry. 🌎🌊🐟

08/11/2026

Tutukan ang panayam kasama si Engr. John Ray Mericuelo, isa sa mga project staff sa likod ng HATCH: Heat-Assisted Temperature Control and Monitoring System for Hatchery Management of Milkfish upang talakayin ang teknolohiya live sa Pinoy Scientist program ng Radyo Agila!

04/11/2026

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍 | 𝐂𝐋𝐒𝐔 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡

Strengthening the scientific foundation for native freshwater species conservation, Central Luzon State University (CLSU) with the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (IARRD-PCAARRD) is currently conducting the Inception Meeting for the research project titled “Development of a Protocol for Non-Lethal Induced Spawning Technique for Native Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus)” at the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC).

The meeting provides a platform for presenting the approved project's objectives, research methodology, implementation strategies, and expected outputs. It also facilitates the alignment of institutional responsibilities, work plans, and project deliverables among the implementing team, collaborating offices, and concerned stakeholders.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the project seeks to establish a scientifically grounded protocol for non-lethal induced spawning of native catfish (Clarias macrocephalus), thereby supporting efforts to conserve native catfish populations and improve their reproductive management.

During the activity, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐃. 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧, Instructor from the College of Fisheries, Researcher of Freshwater Aquaculture Center, and a Project Leader, presents the project's technical framework, research direction, and anticipated accomplishments. Discussions also cover implementation arrangements, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, administrative requirements, and relevant DOST-PCAARRD guidelines governing research and development initiatives.

Representatives from DOST-PCAARRD and concerned CLSU offices, including the Accounting, Supply, Budget, and Audit Offices, are participating in the discussions to strengthen institutional coordination and facilitate the effective implementation of the project.

This initiative reflects CLSU and FAC’s continuing commitment to advancing freshwater aquaculture research and generating science-based approaches to the conservation and sustainable utilization of indigenous aquatic resources. Through this undertaking, the University reinforces its role in developing research-driven solutions that contribute to freshwater biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of the country's fisheries and aquaculture sector.✨🐟🌱

26/10/2026

23/10/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐲𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐏𝐂𝐀𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐃

Research progress and the challenges of protecting Lake Lanao’s endemic cyprinids took center stage during the Pre-Program Review of “S&T Interventions towards Conservation and Management of Lake Lanao Endemic Cyprinids.” The six project leaders presented major accomplishments, updates, and implementation status, bringing together complementary scientific and socioeconomic perspectives on conservation.

The presentations featured:
1. Dr. Onaya A. Labe — DNA Barcoding and Population Genetics of Lake Lanao Endemic Cyprinids
2. Dr. Fema M. Abamo — Cryopreservation of Lake Lanao’s Endemic Cyprinid Germplasm
3. Dr. Ma-ann M. Camarin — Bacterial Microbiota of Lake Lanao’s Endemic Cyprinids
4. Dr. Ambrocio Melvin A. Matias — Development of Non-invasive Tool for Biomass
Estimation of Endemic Cyprinids and Macrofauna Characterization of Their Habitat
5. Mr. Jollymar M. Capistrano — Limnological Profiling of Lake Lanao towards the
Characterization of Endemic Cyprinids Habitat
6. Dr. Annie Rose A. Cadeliña — Sociocultural and Economic Dimension of Resource
Conservation and Management of Endemic Cyprinids in Lake Lanao

Together, these projects connect the study of genetic diversity, germplasm preservation, microbial communities, biomass, and habitat conditions with the human dimensions of resource management. Their shared purpose is to build the evidence needed to guide conservation decisions grounded in both the lake’s ecology and the lives of its surrounding communities.

Dr. Annie Mae C. Berowa, Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension and Development, expressed her support and engaged the research team in discussions on major program concerns. Her participation underscored the role of institutional leadership in addressing implementation challenges and sustaining the work of the research teams.

The program aligns with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, through research supporting water quality assessment and the protection of water-related ecosystems; SDG 15: Life on Land, which includes the conservation of inland freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and local stakeholders.

The review provided a venue for accountability, scientific exchange, and collective assessment—keeping the program’s accomplishments and remaining work firmly connected to its conservation mission. At stake is a shared natural heritage whose protection calls for sustained research and coordinated action.

Padayon, Team Cyprinids!

22/10/2026

21/10/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐌 𝐂𝐈𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐍𝐎. 𝟏𝟑𝟖, 𝐬. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Directing Participation and Involvement of all Government Agencies and Instrumentalities in the Celebration of the 2026 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week.

Visit the Official Gazette website: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/cf1y7G

20/10/2026

The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) conducted the inception meeting of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project titled, “Pond-to-Plate (P2P): An Ecosystem-Based Aquaculture in Zamboanga Peninsula on October 8, 2026 at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology Hatchery.

During the meeting, Dr. Maila V. Pan, P2P Project Leader, presented the project’s objectives, target outputs, planned activities, and implementation strategies. The meeting also provided an opportunity for project partners and stakeholders to establish a shared understanding of the project’s direction and implementation. To complement the discussions, a site visit was also initiated in Brgy. Victoria, Zamboanga City, along with a field visit to the ZSCMST Hatchery to help ensure the proper utilization of project resources.

Meanwhile, on October 9, 2026, IARRD also held the Monitoring and Evaluation of the project, “Accelerated Acclimation and Optimum Transport for Maximum Production of SPIN Tilapia (AACT-SPIN).” The activity focused on reviewing project accomplishments, assessing progress against targets, discussing implementation.

These activities ensure that the projects are aligned with their intended project objectives.

16/10/2026

CHECK THIS OUT: Milkfish ISP Technologies featured at the 3rd National Bangus Congress! 🐟

The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division participated in the 3rd national Bangus Congress, held on October 14–16, 2026, in Clark City, Pampanga, where milkfish technologies were highlighted to support the growth and development of the bangus industry.

Led by DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center, one of our implementing agencies, milkfish technologies were showcased to improve efficiency and productivity across milkfish production and operations.

Featured milkfish technologies are:

1. M-eye Fry Counter: Automated fry counting machine
2. HATCH: Heat-assisted Temperature Control and Monitoring System for Hatchery Management of Milkfish
3. SortXpert: Automatic milkfish sorting machine
4 Intelligate: Automated water congtrol gate for milkfish tidal pond gates

Engr. Glen D. Espeña, DOST-MIRDC project leader, also discussed other smart aquaculture technologies during a plenary session.

The congress brought together key industry players, partners, and stakeholders to assess the bangus value chain from seedstock and hatchery production to farming, nutrition, marketing, and post-harvest operations with the goal of strengthening the industry and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Interested in learning more about these technologies? Send us a message to know more! 📩