SLSU-Bontoc intensifies international collaborations, to partner with Mexico’s CIBNOR
Realizing the need for knowledge sharing across the global science community, SLSU-Bontoc intensifies its international connections, this time with the Northwest Biological Research Center (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR)) represented by Dr. David A. Paz-García, a well-published marine biologist. The Memorandum for Agreement, for making this collaboration official is underway.
CIBNOR is a leading research centre in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico with a mission to contribute to the welfare of society by performing scientific research, technology innovation, and developing human resources in sustainable management of natural resources. The planned partnership is a brainchild of SLSU-Bontoc and its alumnus Mr. Jason Tuang-tuang who is currently taking up PhD programme in Use, Management and Preservation of Natural Resources with concentrations in Marine Biology and at the same time, a student affiliate at the Louisiana State University (LSU). This newest addition to SLSU-Bontoc’s roster of international partners will allow collaborating institutions in jointly implementing a basic research pertaining to understanding the influence of water flow on the phenotypic plasticity of Pocillopora corals in Sogod Bay. Sogod Bay, a large bay in the southern part of Leyte, Philippines, having chosen as the area of investigation has a reputation of rich diversity of marine habitats, including unspoiled reefs brimming with marine life making it a popular destination for underwater adventure.
At current, SLSU-Bontoc Research team composed of Ms Janine C. Dimzon, Head for Research, Innovations and Extension Services (RIES), Mr Jerome Jack O. Napala, resident Science Research Specialist, Mr. Ryan P. Tomol, Dive Master and Mr Alex N. Tumadlas, RIES Staff, after gaining permission and support from concerned local government units, has initiated survey of target coral species at Panaon Island which forms part of the eastern side of Sogod Bay, and subsequently tagged species to represent areas with low and high water flow. These tagged species colonies will be monitored quarterly for over a period of one (1) year.
Considerations on expanding partnership between SLSU-Bontoc and CIBNOR, i.e. PhD internship Mr. Jason Tuang-tuang, is now in talks. It can be recalled that Mr. Jason Tuang-tuang finished his bachelor degree in Marine Biology at SLSU-Bontoc in 2018 and awarded the Dean's Medal for Academic Excellence.
