Research projects implemented by the University of the Philippines Visayas were monitored and evaluated by the representatives of the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic Natural Resources Research and Development, Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (DOST PCAARRD-IARRD) last April 8, 2025.

DOST PCAARRD-IARRD representatives who were present were Ms. Fedelia Flor Mero, Mr. Gabrielle Sudayan, Ms. Jane Janet V. Saraza, Dr. Cynthia Almazan, and IAARD director, Dr. Adelaida Calpe. Accomplishments and project status of UPV projects were presented by the project leaders. These projects were:

•     Production and Enhancement of dried microalgal biomass for improved shelf-life and product diversification – Dr. Jade G. Pahila
•     Morpho-functional traits and eDNA metabarcoding of freshwater fishes and invertebrate communities in biological assessment and monitoring of waterbodies in Panay Island – Dr. Eric Zeus Rizo
•     Field testing of hatchery and nursery production and development of broodstock transport protocols for native catfish Clarias macrocephalus – Dr. Carmelo S. Del Castillo
•     Marker assisted selection of saline-tolerant Tilapia for enhanced growth and feed conversion efficiency – Dr. Carmelo S. Del Castillo
•     Improvement of milkfish larval rearing and nursery culture through gut metagenome, transcriptome analysis and gut microbial community manipulations – Dr. Carmelo S. Del Castillo
•     Molecular Guided Techniques for Improvement of Reproduction Performance of Saline Tolerant Tilapia – Dr. Sanny David P. Lumayno
•     Mycofeeds for Freshwater and Saline Tilapia Culture – Dr. Rex Ferdinand Traifalgar

 
After the series of presentations, the team visited the laboratories where the research projects were located. They were accompanied by respective project leaders and research staff.

UP Visayas continues to collaborate with partner funding agencies in terms of monitoring and evaluation of different projects being implemented by the university. This M&E is meant to assess the accomplishments of these projects in terms of target deliverables and gauge their adherence to the set work plan.