Three projects on pearl oysters funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) were ready to be implemented under the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. The inception meeting happened on September 10, 2024, FC Conference Room, Umali Hall, CFOS. It was facilitated by DOST PCAARRD Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD). 

The projects presented alongside their respective project leaders were the following: 

• Fisheries and reproductive biology of the gold-lip pearl oyster Pinctada Maxima (Jameson, 1901) in the Philippines by Dr. Cristy Acabado

• Species Distribution, Abundance, and Ecology of Pearl Oysters (Pteriidae) of the Philippines by Dr. Sheila Mae Santander-de Leon

• Value Chain Analysis of Pearl Oyster (Pteriidae) Towards Sustainable and Competitive Pearling Industry in the Philippines by Ms. Anne Brigette B. Ledesma
  
  

Initial project accomplishments, challenges encountered, actions taken and future plans were opened by the project leaders with their respective project personnel who will assist them in the course of their research project.

Present during the meeting were UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano, PhD., CFOS Dean Harold M. Monteclaro, PhD and Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap. 

Chancellor Camposano, in his opening remarks, highlighted the significance of the relationship between UP Visayas and DOST PCAARRD and the importance of the blue economy. 

Dr. Mari-Ann Acedera, DOST PCAARRD MRRD Director, discussed the guidelines in the implementation of PCAARRD GIA-funded R&D Projects. PCAARRD personnel from the Office of the Executive Director-Research and Development and Accounting Section were present via Zoom to discuss and address common issues on financial implementation of PCAARRD-funded projects. 

Representatives from the Supply and Property Services Office (SPSO), Accounting Office, Cash Office and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension were also in attendance during the orientation to be reminded of their roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the projects. 

After the meeting, the DOST PCAARRD Representatives conducted a site visit at the PlanktoNiche Laboratory and Marine Ecology Laboratory. These laboratories will play essential roles in the conduct of the Pearl Oyster R&D projects.