Dean Salamida on “Why Sea Cucumber?” at Marine Resource Forum

Faculty Dean Salamida represented Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus (SLSU-BC)  at the National Sea Cucumber Conference and Workshop: “Learnings and Ways Forward, 2024 and Beyond”, hosted by Mindanao State University (MSU) at Nawan on March 26–28, 2025 at Don Are White Beach Resort, Imitao, Misamis Oriental.

Organized with funding support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the gathering brought together researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to tackle recent advancements, challenges, and strategies for the sustainable management of the country’s sea cucumber resources.

Dean Salamida actively participated in the discussions, particularly in integrating scientific research with policy development to strengthen sustainable fisheries management, noting that SLSU-BC is advancing initiatives to support local aquaculture development in Eastern Visayas through a community-based sea cucumber ranching at Liloan, Southern Leyte. This project is in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Field Office VIII (BFAR RFO VIII), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Liloan, Southern Leyte, and the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Brgy. Tabugon, Liloan, Southern Leyte; with funding support from the DOST through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in Southern Leyte. 

“This conference allowed me to gain updated knowledge on sustainable aquaculture practices and biotechnological advancements, as well as explore opportunities for community-based aquaculture development that align with national strategies,” he added.

His participation underscores the campus’ active engagement in marine science research and its commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries development. Serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and strategic planning, the conference aimed to align national efforts toward the long-term sustainability of sea cucumber resources in the Philippines.

The 3-day event concluded with the presentation and consolidation of workshop outputs, followed by planning discussions for future directions in sea cucumber research and development (R&D) and resource management, ensuring that insights from the conference translate into concrete action plans.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly  (SDG) 14: Life Below Water,  SDG 13: Climate Action,  SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Photo courtesy of Mindanao State University at Nawan – Sea Cucumber National Conference and Workshop 2025