Mabalacat, Pampanga – Staff from the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 (DA-BFAR RO2) actively participated in the 11th Fisheries Scientific Conference held on September 24–25, 2025 at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

With the theme “From Research to Application: Transforming Fisheries Science for a Productive and Sustainable Future,” the event brought together fisheries experts, scientists, researchers, and practitioners nationwide to showcase innovations and share research that will strengthen the country’s fisheries sector.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, delivered the keynote message via a recorded video. He underscored the urgency of uplifting fisherfolk, fostering collaboration among fisheries institutions, and ensuring the sustainable use of aquatic and marine resources.

“The Philippines is the ‘Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity.’ The richest concentration of corals, fish, and marine life on the planet is in our backyard. With these natural bounties, the Philippines should be the place where fish and seaweed are not just for the table, but for the entire world market,” Sen. Pangilinan emphasized.

Representing DA-BFAR RO2, Mr. Joefrey F. Usigan, RFIQU Staff, presented a poster, “Potential Antibacterial Use of Selected Seaweed Species Against Aquaculture Pathogens.” Co-authored with Ms. Donica Lorenzo, Mr. RJay Tuppil, Dr. Emma L. Ballad, and Ms. Glycinea M. de Peralta-Banauag, the study earned recognition as one of the Top 8 Best Poster Presentations among 50 on-site entries.

Also in attendance were Dr. Emma L. Ballad, who served as one of the judges during the Spotlight Presentation highlighting the researches of BFAR Scholars, and Dr. Melanie Villarao, National Stock Assessment Program Focal Person, further strengthening DA-BFAR RO2’s representation in the national event.

The active involvement of DA-BFAR RO2 in the conference reflects the agency’s strong commitment to advancing fisheries science and ensuring that research outputs translate into meaningful contributions for a productive, competitive, and sustainable fisheries industry.

(J. Usigan, RFIQU)