Wageningen University and Research Conducts Seminar at BulSU

The BulSU Extension Services Office spearheaded the Associated Mangrove Aquaculture Seminar in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), the College of Science, the Environmental Science Society, and the Philippine Association of Food Technologists—BulSU Chapter. Dr. Ir. Bosma of Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands, was the resource speaker at the said event held on March 23, 2023. The half-day seminar was conducted on the 5th floor of the BulSU E-Library.

As an expert in marine aquaculture since 2000, Dr. Bosma has published numerous research papers on coastal aquaculture sustainability. Simultaneously, he also develops, manages, and reviews research and development projects of the same interest in Africa and Asia.

The seminar began with a welcoming remark from the Vice President for Research Development and Extension, Engr. Erwin DR. Magsakay. In his message, he lauded the untiring efforts of all the offices and colleges involved in making the event possible. He also took the opportunity to inform the audience about the developments under the RDE structure, emphasizing the operationalization of the two centers: Cybernetic and Sparks or the Cyber-Sparks. In his explanation, the Cybernetics Regional Development Center exists to innovate research-based technologies and services that will soon be readily available for the stakeholders, while the Sparks Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center handles the marketing and commercialization of the products and services developed by the Cybernetics Center. At the end of his message, Engr. Magsakay expressed his optimism in the alliance of various institutions, students, and stakeholders in bringing the centers into their glory and being the frontrunners towards industry 4.0.

Meanwhile, Dr. Annadel S. Cabanban, Country Manager for Wetlands International Philippines (WIP), delivered her message through Ms. Noreen Marie Follosco, Interim Project Manager, expressing her gratitude towards the continuous partnership between WIP and BulSU and praising the university’s efforts through its research, development, and extension in mangrove forest rehabilitation as well as the promotion of wise use of coastal wetlands for people and nature.

Afterward, the guest speaker was introduced by Dr. Edwin R. Tadiosa, Program Chair for Environmental Science. In his lecture, Dr. Bosma informed the participants of the consequences of mangrove loss and the importance and value of mangrove forests. Also, he highlighted the history of classic sylvo-aquaculture, giving the Indonesian Sylvo-Aquaculture as an example. In terms of Associated Mangrove Aquaculture, also known as AMA, farmers could set aside a section of the pond along the waterway by building an extra dyke and gates. Thus, mangroves can provide forest products (timber), a nursery for seafood, sediment capture, water storage, and protection for pounds. To reduce coastal erosion and increase the resilience of people’s livelihoods.

The lecture on AMA was followed by an open forum participated in by faculty and students from the College of Science and the College of Engineering. A closing speech from the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Officer-in-Charge for the College of Science, Dr. Edgardo M. Santos, commended the time and effort exerted by the whole team who organized the event. He also mentioned in his closing remarks the extension activities conducted by the College of Science regarding coastal reforestation and habitat restoration.

The endeavor was attended by 180 participants, consisting of selected faculty members and students from the College of Science, the College of Engineering, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Also present during the event were, Ms. Joana May C. Nepomuceno, Officer-in-Charge for Extension Services; Dr. Emerlita S. Naguiat, Dean, College of Business Administration; Dr. Russell N. Alfonso, Faculty Assistant for RDE and Head for the Institute of Environmental Governance; Ms. Debbie Ann S. Tuazon, Director for Research Management Office; Dr. Eleonor Basillo, Assistant Director for Research Program Management; Ms. Maria Antonina DC. Santiago, Assistant Director for Extension Program, Management; Ms. Michelle Agustin, College Extension Service Unit Head for CS; Ms. Virginia P. Paitan, CS Faculty; Ms. Crystalyn R. Lumague, College Extension Service Unit Head for CBA and Ms. Danica Uy, WIP Communication Officer.

The seminar on AMA was a collaborative project of BulSU and Latian Internasyonal Pilipinas, formerly Wetlands International Philippines, under the advocacy To Plant or Not to Plant.