After the successful virtual MOA signing of the collaborating SUCs (BatStateU, MinSCAT, MSC, OMSC, and RSU) for the MBioAssess-VIP project, the virtual training commenced on the 17th of August 2020 to the 25th of August 2020.
Engr. Albertson Amante, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services, delivered his welcome remarks to the participants. It was followed by the inspirational message from Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, University President of Batangas State University.
Dr. Jayvee Saco, Project Leader of MBioAssess-VIP, formally introduced the project, its objectives, and expected outputs. He also introduced the project personnel and the participants of the virtual training.
The virtual training focused on the assessment methods for the coral and seaweed/seagrass ecosystems.
Dr. Miguel Azcuna and Enriquo Velasquez, M.Sc. were the resource speakers for the coral ecosystem and methods for coral assessment. On the other hand, Najeen Rula, M.Sc. and Khay Ann Ramos were the resource speakers for the seaweed/seagrass ecosystem and methods for seaweed/seagrass assessment.
Each lecture was followed by a short quiz and general discussion wherein the participants shared their experiences in coral and seaweed/seagrass assessment methods.
During the virtual training, a strategic meeting was also held. The project personnel and participants discussed the possible sites in each province for the biodiversity assessment.
On the last day, the official Facebook page of the MBioAssess-VIP project was launched. The certificates of the participants were also presented virtually.
Finally, Dr. Rosenda Bronce, Director for Research, commended the project personnel and participants for their dedication and commitment to the project. Dr. Mari-Ann Acedera, Chief Science Research Specialist and Director of the Marine Resources Research Division of DOST-PCAARRD, also congratulated the project personnel and participants and conveyed her closing remarks.
