BU Tabaco - Research, Development and Extension

Congratulations to the winners of the 21st Bicol University Student R&D Forum👏🎊🎊

🏆LIST OF WINNERS FROM BU TABACO

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗛𝗛𝗦𝗠) – 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
🏆Best Paper
“Development and Characterization of Calcium-enriched Wafer Roll and Fettuccine from Chicken Eggshells”
Princess Jewel M. De Villa, Mark Julius B. Llarena, and Phoemela B. Moises
Adviser: Dr. Katrina L. Canon (Food Technology Department)

𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗥) – 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵
🥈Second Place
“Development of Microplate-based Microalgal Growth Assay for Rapid Biowaste Resource Screening”
Sarah Lyn B. Begino and Cielo L. Beruela
Adviser: Prof. Benyl John A. Arevalo (Fisheries Department)

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆, 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 (𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗧) – 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵
🥈Second Place
“Evaluation of Formalin-induced Optical Changes in Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Eyes in Relation to Food Safety”
Nicole B. Araojo and Rizza Mae N. Buiza
Adviser: Prof. Karen Boots B. Briñas (Fisheries Department)

𝗜𝗘𝗘𝗧 – 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
🥈Second Place
“Development of Low-cost Image-based Artificial Intelligence System for Automated Counting of Fish Fingerlings”
Avenne Kester L. Lozano and John Marvin C. Boton
Adviser: Prof. Benyl John A. Arevalo (Fisheries Department)

Fueling breakthroughs, igniting our pride!

Layout:
Avenne Kester L. Lozano

Congratulations BU Tabaco Education Department 👏🎊

🎊Congratulations to our BS Fisheries alumni Sophia Oco and current Research Assistant Veronica Kyla Encinas for winning in the National Student Research and Innovation Conference 2026.

🏆Best Paper Award
🏆Best Presenter

Track 13: Environmental Management and Sustainability

🎉 Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 BU Tabaco Student R&D Forum and to all presenters for your passion and dedication to research! 👏

&DForum2026

🌟 TOMORROW IS THE DAY! 🌟
Get ready as Bicol University Tabaco proudly holds the Student Research & Development Forum 2026 tomorrow, May 4, 2026! 🎓📚✨

Join us as our brilliant student researchers showcase innovative studies, creative solutions, and meaningful discoveries that promote progress and sustainable development.
Let’s celebrate knowledge, excellence, and student-led innovation! 💡🔬🌊

📍 Venue: Lavilla Hall, BBicol University Tabaco🕗 Time: 8:00 AM

See you tomorrow, BUeños! 💙💛

Congratulations Dr. Renan U. Bobiles on this research publication! 🎉👏 Your hard work and dedication in research truly paid off—well deserved! 📚✨

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓!

Congratulations to Mr. Christian Jay R. Nob, Ms. Jessah P. Trillo, Mr. Earl Kevin T. Cooper, Ms. Allyn Duvin P. Hinoguin, Mr. Abner C. Evasco Jr., Mr. Jerpe E. Honghong Jr., Dr. Nonillon M. Aspe, Mr. Erwin Jones A. Tucong, Ms. Phresnofi D. Noval-Don, Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, and Dr. Venus E. Leopardas of Mindanao State University at Naawan, together with their co-authors from the University of the Ryukyus, Kagoshima University, Western Philippines University–Puerto Princesa City Campus, Aklan State University–New Washington Campus, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Bicol University Tabaco Campus, and University of the Philippines Mindanao, for their recent publication in 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐍𝐀, a prestigious Q1 Scopus-indexed journal ranked among the Top 5% of journals worldwide in its field.

Their study, titled “𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞-𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 (𝑨𝒎𝒊𝒉𝒂𝒏) 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐞𝐃𝐍𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠,” assessed fish diversity in mangrove ecosystems across Catanduanes, Batangas, Aklan, and Palawan using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. By analyzing more than two million sequence reads from water samples, the researchers identified 276 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), with 159 resolved to the species level.

The findings revealed clear spatial variation in fish community composition across bioregions and habitat types, driven by environmental and biogeographic factors such as salinity, habitat type, vegetation, water flow, climate, and site characteristics. Notably, the study detected two Vulnerable species, 𝐸𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑔𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑠 and 𝐻𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑠 𝑘𝑢𝑑𝑎, highlighting the conservation importance of mangrove ecosystems as critical biodiversity reservoirs.

More than half of the identified species have commercial value, underscoring the vital role of mangroves in supporting fisheries, food security, and coastal livelihoods. At the same time, the presence of Data Deficient, Not Evaluated, and unknown species points to existing gaps in biodiversity knowledge and emphasizes the need to expand tropical genetic reference databases and strengthen long-term monitoring efforts.

This publication demonstrates the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding as a non-invasive, cost-efficient, and highly sensitive tool for large-scale biodiversity assessment. It provides valuable baseline data to support evidence-based conservation, sustainable fisheries management, and adaptive strategies for enhancing mangrove resilience amid increasing environmental pressures.

This achievement highlights MSU at Naawan’s continuing leadership in marine biodiversity research, environmental DNA science, and coastal ecosystem conservation.

Access the full article. See the link in the comments.

Congratulations Prof. Benyl John Arevalo on this research publication! 🎉👏 Your hard work and dedication truly paid off—well deserved! 📚✨

[𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓] Congratulations Niko A. Macaraeg of the NFRDI- Aquaculture Research and Development Division and Dr. Casiano H. Choresca Jr. of the DA - Fisheries Biotechnology Center on the publication of their research article, “𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘊-𝘓𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯/𝘈𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘖𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦,” in the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 & 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 (Vol. 21, No. 1, January, 2026, pp. 81-89).

Access the research article here: https://doi.org/10.18280/ijdne.210108

𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗨𝗛𝗔𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲! 🌊

Join us this Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as Dr. Alex Camaya of Bicol University Tabaco discusses “El Niño and its Impacts on Coral Reefs,” exploring how rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching affect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

📻 Tune in from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

📍 Live on:
🔹 DZGB News Online page
🔹 Bicol University page
🔹 BUEMD Official page

Be informed. Be inspired. Be part of protecting our oceans. 🌎💙

𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗨𝗛𝗔𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲! 🌊

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, for an inspiring and knowledge-filled radio episode as Prof. Alex Camaya of Bicol University Tabaco officially introduces the segment “Buhay Dagat: Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Hour.”

Dive deeper into this timely discussion on “El Niño and its Impacts on Coral Reefs,” where we explore how rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, and changing marine ecosystems affect our coastal resources and communities. Learn why protecting coral reefs is vital for fisheries, biodiversity, and the future of our oceans.

Tune in and be part of another meaningful conversation for the sea, the environment, and sustainable living!

This meaningful program is also dedicated to strengthening public awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the vital role of our fisheries and aquatic resources sector - championing the protection of our seas, the sustainability of coastal communities, and the future of marine life.

Brought to you by Bicol University Tabaco, in support of sustainable coastal and marine development.

📻 Tune in every Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 NOON

📍 Live on:
🔹 DZGB News Online page
🔹 Bicol University page
🔹 BUEMD Official page

Be informed. Be inspired. Be part of protecting our oceans. 🌎💙

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆!

Join us for an another month-long radio program journey, as we dive deep into the beauty of Albay waterfalls! 🌿

Discover these hidden gems as Prof. Skorzeny C. De Jesus, Dean of BU Tabaco brings you an exclusive assessment and profiling of these natural wonders!

Only here at Programang Pang-edukasyon at Pangkabuhayan, Thursday, October 3, 2024.

Stay tuned via Radyo Veritas 1008 kHz, DCTV Channel 2 or live on the official page of Bicol University and Extension Management Division.

We’ve wrapped up the “𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐎𝐌 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦", but this is just the beginning!

With the program set in motion, we're excited to continue our journey of empowering the coastal communities of Tabaco City. From technical support and livelihood assistance to advocacy in health, education, social issues, and environmental conservation, our commitment to hope and transformation endures. Here’s to the road ahead and the positive impact we will make together!