MSUN Perna PRO

14/10/2025

04/09/2025

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐑𝐎 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐂𝐖𝐏𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧

𝘗𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘢 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘗𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 — Team Perna PRO proudly participated in the 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚 (𝐈𝐂𝐖𝐏𝐒), hosted by the 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, from August 14 to 15, 2025. With the theme “𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺, 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦,” the two-day conference gathered scientists, researchers, and practitioners to present initiatives, research, and projects that promote the sustainable management and inclusive growth of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The ICWPS provided a platform to exchange ideas and applications on ecological health, climate-smart approaches, human and economic dimensions, and sustainable management of coastal and small island ecosystems, highlighting the need to adapt to the challenges of changing times and climate.
In this context, Team Perna PRO, namely: Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, M.Sc., Honielyn Taka, M.Sc., Harvey D. Lobo, RFP, and Aljhun Lloyd A. Barranco, RFP, presented their research on the ecological and socioeconomic role of green mussel (𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘴) aquaculture in Philippine waters.
Through their participation, Team Perna PRO highlighted the importance of research-driven solutions and community-centered innovations in advancing the vision of a healthy, resilient, and productive sea. The team engaged in productive discussions with the scientific community and connected with potential collaborators and experts in the field. Their work contributes to the broader mission of sustaining marine resources and ensuring food security for present and future generations.

03/09/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗶 𝗕𝗮𝘆

Tagabuli bay, Davao del Sur – Team Perna PRO returned to the waters of Tagabuli Bay to conduct field sampling activities aimed at supporting ongoing aquaculture and environmental studies. The activity focused on green mussel and environmental data collection to monitor the bay’s ecological conditions.

Joining the fieldwork were three BS Fisheries students from Mindanao State University at Naawan, who are undertaking their undergraduate thesis on parasites affecting green mussels (𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘴). Their participation not only contributes valuable data for their study but also strengthens collaborative monitoring efforts in the bay.

This initiative highlights the importance of continuous field-based research and supporting the growth of green mussel farming in Mindanao, while also providing hands-on opportunities for young researchers to build skills and contribute to sustainable resource management.

24/06/2025

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝: 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚, 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐢 𝐁𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 — In a continuing effort to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, a field sampling activity was conducted in Tagabuli Bay to gather essential environmental data that will inform the development of green mussel (𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘴) farming in the area.

The research team, composed of faculty, technical staff, and project partners, collected data on key environmental parameters, across designated sampling stations in the bay. These data will play a vital role in evaluating the ecological suitability of Tagabuli Bay for green mussel aquaculture.

This fieldwork forms part of a broader initiative aimed at integrating extractive species like green mussels into existing mariculture systems, particularly among small-scale fish cage operators. By doing so, the project hopes to enhance water quality, optimize nutrient cycling, and diversify income opportunities for coastal communities.

The activity was jointly implemented by Mindanao State University at Naawan, Davao del Sur State College, and BFAR Region XI, with support from the local government unit and community stakeholders. Through science-based field assessments and community engagement, the project aims to establish a model for sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible aquaculture in Tagabuli Bay.

As the bay continues to face ecological pressures from intensified mariculture activities, this proactive, data-driven approach ensures that future aquaculture expansion will align with the ecological carrying capacity of the ecosystem—protecting both the bay and the livelihoods that depend on it.

25/05/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐥𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐂. 𝐑𝐨𝐚

As part of the ongoing Integrated Training on Spatial Mapping, Plankton Analysis, and Sustainable Green Mussel Aquaculture, participants and some project members of PernaPRO led by Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao, paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Chancellor at Mindanao State University at Naawan.

The delegation was warmly received by the University Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, who expressed her full support for the project and its goal of promoting sustainable green mussel aquaculture and regional research collaboration.

Dr. Roa emphasized the university’s strong commitment to supporting research initiatives that address pressing environmental and community issues. She encouraged participants—especially emerging researchers and faculty members—to embrace the challenge of contributing to science through research, innovation and collaboration.

The courtesy call served as a meaningful exchange, strengthening connections between institutions and reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing research and innovation in Mindanao.

📷: MSUN OIPP

25/05/2025

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐏𝐑𝐎 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Integrated Training on Spatial Mapping, Plankton Analysis, and Sustainable Green Mussel Aquaculture concluded with a heartfelt closing program, marking the end of a week filled with hands-on learning, technical sessions, and meaningful exchanges among partner institutions.

The program was capped with the awarding of certificates to the participants from MSU at Naawan, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), and MSU Buug, recognizing their active participation in both lectures and practical sessions—from plankton monitoring to spatial analysis and green mussel aquaculture sustainability.

During the evaluation and reflection portion, participants shared their key takeaways and impressions from the training. Many expressed newfound appreciation for the integration of science and community needs, particularly in using GIS and ecological knowledge to enhance green mussel aquaculture. Others highlighted the value of collaboration, noting how working with peers from other institutions broadened their perspectives and strengthened professional networks.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao, project leader, emphasized that the initiative was not merely about fulfilling project deliverables. He highlighted that the training represented a broader commitment to connecting science with communities, encouraging participants to carry forward the knowledge gained, nurture the partnerships formed, and continue working toward solutions that support both people and coastal ecosystems.

Dr. Fagutao also emphasized Mindanao’s strong potential for green mussel aquaculture, citing the region’s favorable conditions and the increasing national demand. He encouraged institutions to continue fostering collaboration, advancing research, and engaging local communities in meaningful ways. He expressed hope that the knowledge gained from the training would be translated into action and benefit the communities that need it most.

25/05/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Aljhun Lloyd A. Barranco, RFP, Leads Lecture and Training on GIS and Spatial Analysis

The Integrated Training on Spatial Mapping, Plankton Analysis, and Sustainable Green Mussel Aquaculture continued with a deep dive into geospatial science, led by Aljhun Lloyd A. Barranco, RFP. Held at MSU at Naawan, Sea Cucumber Museum, the session focused on spatial mapping techniques and geographic information systems (GIS)—powerful tools for environmental analysis and aquaculture site assessment.

Barranco opened the session with a comprehensive lecture introducing the fundamentals of spatial mapping and geospatial technologies. He emphasized the critical role of GIS in visualizing environmental data, assessing site suitability, and supporting evidence-based decisions for sustainable coastal resource management.

The lecture covered core concepts such as map layering, coordinate systems, spatial data formats, and basics of using QGIS. Real-world applications were highlighted, showing how GIS can helps researchers in their endeavours.

Following the lecture, participants engaged in a hands-on training session, where they explored QGIS software and practiced geospatial analysis using sample datasets. Guided by Barranco, participants learned how to navigate QGIS and make maps for research and other purposes.

The training empowered participants—students and faculty from MSU at Naawan, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), and MSU Buug—to apply geospatial techniques in their local contexts. Many expressed enthusiasm for using mapping technology to better understand their coastal environments and support resource management initiatives in their own communities.

The session aligned with the broader goal of the MSUN PernaPRO initiative: to equip local institutions and communities with practical, science-driven tools that can guide sustainable development in green mussel farming and beyond.

25/05/2025

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠

Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, RFP, MSc, Tackles Sustainability in Green Mussel Aquaculture at Sea Cucumber Museum

As the second day of the Integrated Training on Spatial Mapping, Plankton Analysis, and Sustainable Green Mussel Aquaculture unfolded, participants gathered at the Sea Cucumber Museum for a timely lecture by Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso of MSU at Naawan, focusing on the sustainability in green mussel aquaculture.

Prof. Baldevieso’s lecture delved into the current state, challenges, and vast potential of green mussel farming in the Philippines, with particular emphasis on community-based and environmentally sound practices. Drawing from both research and field experience, he emphasized how local stakeholders—including small-scale fishers—can drive sustainable production by embracing low-impact methods, improving site selection, and observing science-based management.

He also discussed the biology and science behind sustainable culture of green mussels, and the critical issues affecting the sector, such as supply shortages, habitat degradation, and climate vulnerability, while offering strategic interventions like promoting natural hatcheries, innovative culture techniques, and fostering multi-sectoral partnerships.

The lecture provided participants from MSU at Naawan, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), and MSU Buug with fresh insights on how science and local knowledge can converge to build a resilient green mussel industry in Mindanao.

Prof. Baldevieso concluded by encouraging the trainees to continue learning from one another and to champion green mussel aquaculture that feeds not just markets, but futures—grounded in science, stewardship, and shared responsibility.

25/05/2025

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐏𝐑𝐎 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Harvey D. Lobo, RFP, Leads Lecture, Sampling Demo, and Identification Session

The Integrated Training on Spatial Mapping, Plankton Analysis, and Sustainable Green Mussel Aquaculture officially began its technical sessions with an in-depth lecture and hands-on learning activities led by Mr. Harvey D. Lobo, RFP. Focusing on marine phytoplankton, the session provided participants with essential scientific knowledge and field-based experience crucial for ecosystem-based aquaculture.

Mr. Lobo opened the session with a lecture on the ecological role of marine phytoplankton, highlighting their function as primary producers and key indicators of water quality. He discussed phytoplankton diversity, environmental factors influencing their distribution, and the critical role they play in sustaining aquaculture systems—particularly for green mussel farming.

The lecture was followed by a field demonstration on plankton sampling techniques, where participants learned proper methods for collecting water samples using plankton nets and sampling bottles. Students and faculty from MSU at Naawan, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), and MSU Buug took part in the fieldwork, gaining first-hand experience in environmental data collection and sampling protocols.

After the field activities, participants returned to the laboratory for a hands-on phytoplankton identification session. Using microscopes, they examined the collected samples to identify various phytoplankton genera, guided by Mr. Lobo. The activity allowed trainees to recognize key morphological features of diatoms, dinoflagellates, and other phytoplankton groups commonly found in coastal waters.

This full-circle learning—from theoretical inputs to field and lab application—not only strengthened the technical skills of the participants but also emphasized the importance of monitoring water quality as part of sustainable aquaculture development.

The first day of training highlighted the program’s commitment to science-based learning, community relevance, and academic collaboration, as students and faculty from Mindanao’s leading institutions engaged in practical exercises that will support green mussel aquaculture and broader coastal management efforts across the region.

25/05/2025

𝐌𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐏𝐑𝐎 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

With sustainability and inclusive growth at its core, the Integrated Training on Spatial Mapping, Plankton Analysis, and Sustainable Green Mussel Aquaculture officially commenced on May 21, 2025, marking a significant step toward transforming scientific knowledge into real, lasting impact for green mussel farming in Mindanao.

The training is spearheaded by MSU at Naawan’s PernaPRO team and brings together participants from Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) and Mindanao State University Buug Campus, highlighting a growing movement for collaboration across state universities and colleges in the region.

During the opening program, Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement, emphasized the crucial role of research and innovation in uplifting coastal livelihoods and protecting marine ecosystems through sustainable aquaculture practices.

He added that this training goes beyond simply sharing technical know-how. It also aims to foster stronger collaboration among universities and state colleges across Mindanao—building a network of researchers, practitioners, and communities committed to long-term, science-based solutions. By equipping participants with practical skills and promoting partnerships, the initiative seeks to create resilient coastal communities anchored in innovation and shared commitment.

In presenting the rationale, Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao highlighted that this activity is more than just fulfilling a project deliverable—it is about forging meaningful connections between academic institutions and local stakeholders. He underscored the immense potential of green mussel aquaculture in Mindanao, especially amid growing supply challenges in different parts of the Philippines. Through collaboration, academic institutions can empower communities directly involved in the industry and collectively advance sustainable solutions for the sector’s future.

16/05/2025

The Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) has officially granted authority to the DOST-PCAARRD Hatchery for Green Mussel Project to conduct an "𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙩𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙡 𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚" on May 19–23, 2025.

This activity is an offshoot of the “𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮” training initiated earlier this year, designed to further deepen technical knowledge and field experience in green mussel aquaculture. It is organized in collaboration with the iCUES, led by Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, and the EGeMSS project, led by Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso.

Outlined in Special Order No. 336-MSUN, Series of 2025, and supported by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement, the training aims to build local capacity and promote sustainable aquaculture practices through a mix of technical lectures and hands-on fieldwork.

The training will convene participants and experts from MSU at Naawan, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), and MSU-Buug Campus, fostering inter-institutional collaboration in research and aquaculture development.

Leading the training is Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao, Project Leader, along with project team members and technical assistants: Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, Harvey D. Lobo, Aljhun Lloyd A. Barranco, Honielyn Taka, Kaent Immanuel N. Uba, and Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso.

The event will serve as a platform for sharing best practices in green mussel farming, with a focus on spatial mapping techniques, plankton monitoring, and sustainable aquaculture systems vital for coastal development.