Tuguegarao City – To support ongoing efforts in understanding microbial diversity and assessing the ecological health of the Cagayan River, the University of Santo Tomas (UST), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 (DA-BFAR R02), is currently implementing two major research projects funded by the DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines under the BAYRUS-DIVERSITY Program. As part of their visit, UST researchers met with DA-BFAR R02 officials, including Regional Director Dr. Angel B. Encarnacion and Dr. Emma L. Ballad, to discuss project updates and shared goals for sustainable river management.

The two research projects are:

BAYRUS-ILOG – focusing on the diversity, interaction, lytic activity, and genomic profiling of bacteria and bacteriophages in the Cagayan River; and

Lusog-Ilog – assessing the river system’s ecological health in support of sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.

From April 3 to 5, the UST team led by Dr. Rey Donne Papa, Dean of the UST College of Science and Program Leader, conducted reconnaissance fieldwork in selected sites in Peñablanca and Tuguegarao City. Researchers from the BEATS Lab and ZESL carried out site assessments and initial water sampling, assisted by BFAR R02 staff Ms. Jemimah T. Ziegler and Mr. Joefrey F. Usigan. The team is currently in the process of securing the necessary permits for full-scale sampling and data collection.

This partnership highlights the importance of science-based initiatives in promoting responsible fisheries management and protecting the aquatic ecosystems of the Cagayan River. Findings from the ongoing studies are expected to guide future conservation and policy efforts in the region.

(J. Usigan)