VIP Center for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Sciences (VIP CORALS)
Protecting. Saving. Conserving
On March 16, 2019, the Japanese Society of Phycology awarded Dr. Jayvee A. Saco the Best Paper Award for his study “Chloroplast position and photosynthetic characteristics in two monostromatic species, Monostroma angicava and Protomonostroma undulatum (Ulvophyceae), having a shared ecological niche.”
The study was also featured on the Japanese Journal of Phycology on July 10, 2019.
In celebration of Verde Island Passage Center for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Sciences’ (VIP CORALS’) 1st Anniversary on February 14, 2019, the center conducted a seminar series entitled “Waves and Ripples at the Heart of the Coral Triangle”. The event tackled about the importance of the different marine-related topics by invited speakers from different institutions.
Left to Right: Dr. Jayvee A. Saco (Center Head, VIP CORALS), Joseph Ascalon (SEA Institute), Dr. Dexter dela Cruz (Southern Cross University), Emilia Sabban (VIP CORALS), Talna dela Cruz (PM-TMEM), Dr. Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez (UP MSI), Dr. Emma Ballad (BFAR Reg II), Nero Austero (National Museum), Dr. Wilfred Santiañez (UP MSI), Dr. Renan Bobiles (Bicol University), Najeen Rula (VIP CORALS) and Joshua Vacarizas (VIP CORALS)
The seminar was commenced by Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, Batangas State University’s President, with his welcoming remarks who conveyed his acknowledgement of the existence of the center in protecting and researching in the Verde Island passage. It was followed by Dr. Renan U. Bobiles from Bicol University, who discussed about the importance of marine protected areas. Dr. Emma Ballad, from BFAR Region II, incorporated the connection between socio-environmental economics and the marine protected areas in the Philippines. Dr. Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez, from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), highlighted the significance of coral reefs to the oceans, its inhabitants and even to us, humans. While Dr. Wilfred Santianez from the same University emphasized on seaweed farming ecological and economic value. Southern Cross University researcher, Dr. Dexter Dela Cruz’s main discussion was concerned on coral reef restoration and some of its consequences. SEA-VIP personnel, Mr. Joal Ascalon, share up some of their institution’s work-related activities in engaging citizens to the science world and the importance of their contribution in battling climate change. Meanwhile, Ms. Talna de la Cruz, from UP MSI, tackled the input of science and communication. Moreover, National Museum of the Philippines’ staff, Mr. Nero Burner, opened his discussion on maritime archeology.
Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo (top) commencing the event and Dr. Jayvee A. Saco (bottom) concluding the anniversary
The event was then concluded by Dr. Jayvee A. Saco, Center Head of VIP CORALS, with his warm message towards the invited speakers as well as to the students, faculty and others that have attended to the said event.
The VIP CORALS expands its network with a meeting with Dr. Shan He (person in middle wearing blue), Associate Dean of College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China last February 11, 2019. He presented the different colleges in Ningbo University; programs offered, international collaboration, funding and its connection with the Philippines. He also discussed the importance of the scientific diving training, different marine drug discovery and marine healthcare products where he is affiliated. Lastly, he offered future collaborations between Ningbo University and Batangas State University through collaborative agreements, students exchange and recruitment, marine drug discovery and healthy food development and exploring twilight zone resource by scientific deep diving.
On the 18th of January 2019, VIP CORALS launched a kick-off event for its 1st anniversary on February 14, 2019. The kick-off event was a seminar about “Biological Activity and Marine Biodiversity.”
Dr. Armin Coronado of Polytechnic University of the Philippines discussed his study entitled “Biological Activities of Sulphated Polysaccharides from Brown Seaweeds and their Potential Applications in Pharmaceutical and Related Industries.” In his study, Dr. Coronado highlighted the potential applications which include the antimicrobial activity of Crude Ethanolic Extract (CEE) against Staphylococcus aureus, and the Crude Sulfated Polysaccharide (CSP) as natural anti-cancer compound.
Dr. Noel Saguil of University of Utah played a 12-minute video presentation about the cone snails, its diversity, and the various researches done on cone snails. Dr. Saguil later discussed about Conus geographus, the ocean’s most venomous and deadliest cone snail, and recounted his experiences with C. geographus. However, on 2017, there was a breakthrough on drug development which involve the utilization of C. geographus’ venom as treatment for hormonal cancer.
Asst. Prof Ruthela Payawal from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines was also present in the seminar.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Jayvee Saco announced that VIP CORALS will be celebrating its 1st founding anniversary and invited the guests to come and celebrate with the center.
Our center’s team keeps getting bigger! VIP CORALS proudly welcomes and presents our first batch of On-The-Job Trainees 2019. These students are in their last semester of their final year for BS Biology, BatStateU. During their internship, the students will be called as RAs – Research Assistants whose tasks will be to help in the center’s research projects. Each RA will be assigned to different areas and ecosystems under the VIP.
From left to right: Alecs Persia, Danica Velasco, Symon Binay, Donalyn Gamier, Auen Egar, Leah Sanchez, Alvin Tabuga and Matthew Arcega.
Dr. Jayvee Saco (VIP CORALS Center Head), Dr. Romel U. Briones (Director for Research) and Ms. Najeen Rula meets with Dr. Meg Burke, Dr. Terrence Gosliner of the California Academy of Sciences, Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan of DLSU SHORE Center and Mr. Joal Ascalon, Executive Director of SEA-VIP to discuss future collaborations regarding the Verde Island Passage.
Extension activity was conducted by the BS Biology Program of the College of Arts and Sciences, BatStateU in collaboration with VIP CORALS on the Lobo Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting organized by BS Biology Program Chair, Ms. Amor P. Magtibay and the Designated tourism Officer of the Municipality of Lobo, Ms. Rowena Anyayahan.
In collaboration with the BS Biology program, VIP CORALS extends their help to 12 senior high schools offering STEM who participated in the workshop entitled “STEM-2-STEM v2.0: Support and training for enhancement of mentoring (STEM) to STEM Academic strand in the k-12 curriculum for biotechnology.” This workshop involves the use of classroom-ready kits developed by Biotechnology in a Box (BTBox) and a lecture on the basic concept of Molecular Biology methods.
The workshop was held last November 23, 2018 at the Biology Laboratory-2 (under the VIP CORALS), 2nd floor, CIRTC Building.
Dr. Romel U. Briones, Director for Research and VIP CORALS Staff, speaks about mangrove conservation to students from Malabrigo Elementary School at the EcoCamp by the Sea organized by SEA-VIP held at the Mangrove Forest, Lobo.
Photo credit: Joal Ascalon, SEA-VIP
VIP CORALS members participates in the BRAVO deliberations held last November 21, 2018.
