Daily TribuneDr. Eldrin D. Arguelles is working to develop a feed that improves the health of the aquaculture systems and addresses the high accumulation of toxic algae.
AMONG the rich seaweed resources of the country is the lato.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE MARINE PHYCOLOGY LABORATORY
The #PilipiNAST Kapehan in Quezon City last 1 July showcased local scientists working on food security solutions and livelihood opportunities.
Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS) awardee Dr. Wilfred John E. Santiañez is is developing culture technologies for underdeveloped seaweed resources. He said establishing an advanced mariculture facility can produce food, cattle fodder and pharmaceuticals out of any of the 900 species of seaweeds across the Philippine’s biodiversity.
Another OYS awardee, Dr. Eldrin D. Arguelles, is working to develop a feed that improves the health of the aquaculture systems and addresses the high accumulation of Microcystis aureginosa, a toxic blue-green algae species, which causes harmful algal blooms. His efforts can help raise aquaculture production and income.
Dr. Mark Nell C. Corpuz, also an OYS awardee, developed soft-boned fish technology and crab fattening through an improved aquaculture system for community livelihood.
Arguelles uses DNA metabarcoding and classification of microalgal organisms to assess the freshwater quality of the Cagayan River, while Corpuz is developing a tool to monitor a river’s health conditions focused on the fish index, to contribute to addressing the local extinction of species present in the environment.
OYS Dr. Cherry P. Fernandez-Colorado focuses on the detection and assessment of potential treatments for the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus, which targets both commercial and wild pigs.
She and her team of researchers are currently evaluating some possible ASF vaccine candidates and identification of the specific strain of virus affecting the pigs through genomic technology.
Meanwhile, Rance Derrick N. Pavon researches faster Salmonella detection methods and improves laboratory tests to help increase the testing capacity of regulatory agencies and strengthen food safety across the farm-to-fork chain.
