Author: vipcorals

          In this 2021, VIP CORALS have been blessed to stay healthy despite the pandemic we are in. And in turn, we are able to stay true to our vision and made 2021 a prolific year in line with the standards of VIP CORALS. As we feel even more elated to be in service for the whole purpose of the marine research in 2022 and the years to come, for now, we present you a summary of our accomplishments in 2021. May you still be part of our mission and service. VIP CORALS thank you all for your continued support!

Publications:

• Marine macrophyte composition during summer, southwest and northeast monsoons in Verde Island, Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines
• The ‘sheep’ That Can Photosynthesise
• The Life in the Waters of Isla Verde
• Influence of light, water motion, and stocking density on the growth and pigment content of Halymenia durvillei (Rhodophyceae) under laboratory conditions
• Differences in the parasitic effects of a bopyrid isopod and rhizocephalan barnacle on the portunid crab, Charybdis bimaculate

Balik Scientist:

• BSP (Balik Scientist Program) Video Series No. 7
• BSP (Balik Scientist Program) Video Series No. 8
• BSP (Balik Scientist Program) Video Series No. 9
• BSP (Balik Scientist Program) Video Series No. 10
• BSP (Balik Scientist Program) Video Series No. 11
• DZRH News Interview for Balik Scientist
• Balik Scientist Accomplishments AVP

Webinars/Workshops/Interviews/Training:

• Geometric Morphometrics: Applications and Uses
• Virtual Training on Photosynthesis Measurement on Seaweeds
• Philippines Biological Diversity Day – Environmental Awareness Webinar

The NAGAO-funded research “Marine macrophyte composition during summer, southwest and northeast monsoons in Verde Island, Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines” of the VIP CORALS was published in the Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology. The study was aimed to determine the composition, distribution, and dominance of marine macrophytes during the northeast monsoon, summer, and southwest monsoon in four coastal areas in Verde Island.

Jayvee Ablaña Saco, Najeen Arabelle M. Rula, John Matthew Arcega, Alvin Tabuga, Alecs Persia, and Mark Anthony Alub. Marine macrophyte composition during summer, southwest and northeast monsoons in Verde Island, Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology.  14(3). 1-15

The Batangas State University through the Verde Island Passage Center for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Science and College of Arts and Science (Main I) would like to inform everyone that we will be officially offering the newest graduate program of our University – MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MARINE BIOLOGY. We will be offering the program this coming 1st Semester Academic Year 2020-2021.

For further information and inquiries, please email us at vipcorals@g.batstate-u.edu.ph.

On February 28, 2020, VIP CORALS organized a seminar as a celebration of its 2nd Founding Anniversary. Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo gave his welcome remarks and felicitations to the participants and guests.

Dr. Jonel Corral shared his expertise on “Parasitic Relationship between Isopod and Crab in the Marine Environment,” while Dr. Miguel Azcuna shared his expertise on “Allelopathic Compounds from Sponge: Understanding the Ecological Roles and Screening for Bioactivity.”

Dr. Jayvee Saco, a Balik Scientist, also launched his lecture series on “Green Tide Blooms in the Philippines.”

The officers of the Philippine Phycological Society, Inc. (PPSI) held their first organizational meeting on February 22, 2020.

Photos from Philippine Phycological Society Inc. Official Facebook Page

On February 13,  Dr. Jayvee A. Saco had his courtesy call for the Balik Scientist Program with DOST-PCAARRD Officials, together with other Balik Scientists Dr. Charina Lyn A. Repollo and Dr. Zenith Gaye A. Orozco-Bautista, at PCAARRD Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna.

Photos from Balik Scientist Program Official Facebook Page

The VIP CORALS team had a meeting with SEA Institute and Dr. Katherine Sanchez-Escalona of MinSCAT on February 10 for the future schedules and activities for the Eco Camp by the Sea.

Left to right: Joal Ascalon, Dr. Jonel Corral, Dr. Jayvee Saco, Dr. Miguel Azcuna, Alecs Persia, Najeen Rula, Dr. Katherine Sanchez-Escalona, Jovy Ann Valera

Photo from Joal Ascalon