Bridging Global Aquaculture Expertise with local innovation at SLSU
Reaffirming its commitment to global collaboration and sustainable development, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) welcomed an international aquaculture specialist for a campus advisory at SLSU Sogod and SLSU Bontoc. This collaborative event aimed at strengthening fisheries, post-harvest systems, and marine ecosystem management.
With a theme, “Global Aquaculture Specialist On-Site Visit and Advisory Mission” the event commenced at Library Mini Theater, SLSU Sogod on February 24, 2026, gathering faculty members, students, researchers, and partner agencies for in-depth discussions.
The advisory mission featured Mr. Byron Marcelo Hidalgo Zambrano, Chief Operating Officer of the Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG) and Founder and Director of The Seafoodmatter. His visit highlighted SLSU’s strong commitment to internationalization and knowledge exchange in marine science and fisheries development.
QUALITY CONTROL IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
The first session of this advisory mission commenced at the SLSU Sogod Campus, where discussions centered on Post-Harvest Handling, Quality Assurance, Fermentation Technologies, and Other Applications in the Food and Beverage Industries.
Together with 110 students from Food Technology program, Associate Professor Pet Anthony Pascual took the lead in guiding the students through the learning experience.
The program began with preliminaries, followed by welcome remarks from Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Director of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA). The guest speaker was formally introduced by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension Services (VPRIES).
During his session, Mr. Zambrano emphasized the importance of strengthening post-harvest systems, ensuring strict quality assurance across supply chains, and exploring fermentation technologies as value-adding strategies for fisheries and food enterprises.
Mr. Zambrano also shared his experience in tuna quality control, highlighting the importance of proper handling. He explained that tuna contains high levels of histidine, an amino acid that serves as a precursor to histamine.
“If not handled properly particularly in terms of temperature control, histidine breaks down into histamine, which may lead to food poisoning,” he added.
He underscored the need for science-based innovation and stronger industry-academe collaboration to help local industries meet global standards.
University President of SLSU, Jude A. Duarte, DPA, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research excellence and global partnerships. He stressed the importance of advancing academic programs that contribute meaningfully to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We can make meaningful progress across all the SDGs if we collectively address food security. Ensuring access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is foundational because when food systems are strengthened, we also advance health, education, economic stability, and overall social equity,” Dr. Duarte expressed.
Partner agencies likewise conveyed their strong support for the initiative. Among them, Dr. Ramil T. Uy, Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology – Provincial Science and Technology Office Southern Leyte, shared that the event could serve as a springboard for deeper collaboration.
Dr. Uy noted that the university’s VPRIES, spearheaded by Dr. Sy, may explore new joint projects particularly those aligned with innovation and research in the food and beverage industry.
He further emphasized that strengthening partnerships between the university and DOST can accelerate technology transfer, enhance product development among local enterprises, and support sustainable, science-based solutions that contribute to food security and regional economic growth.
ADVANCING MARINE SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
The second leg and culmination of the advisory mission was held at the SLSU-Bontoc SSC Hall, bringing together 230 students taking Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BSMB) and 40 students taking Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) focusing on Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, Marine Ecosystems, and Consultancy Engagement in Various Localities of the Philippines.
Assistant Professor Janine C. Dimzon, Faculty Dean, formally introduced the guest speaker and underscored the relevance of the session to the campus community. She highlighted that Fisheries and Marine Biology are among the campus’s flagship programs, making the discussion both timely and closely aligned with the institution’s academic direction and strategic priorities.
Mr. Zambrano highlighted responsible aquaculture practices, ecosystem-based fisheries management, and consultancy opportunities that support coastal communities.
The open forum allowed participants to engage in meaningful dialogue on sustainability challenges, emerging industry trends, and practical applications relevant to local settings.
A BSMB student asked how he was able to successfully implement his plans during the consultancy visit. Mr. Zambrano replied, “You have to observe and listen first. Understand their current practices what works, what doesn’t, and what could be done differently. Then you guide them on how to make improvements.”
He also emphasized the importance of accreditation, certification, and other professional standards for students pursuing careers in Marine Biology and Fisheries, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in the global industry.
To convey a message of gratitude, SLSU was honored by the presence of Hon. Mikhael Leonardo “Mikee” Mercado, Councilor of Maasin City, who highlighted the students’ remarkable potential to help address food security challenges in their communities.
“I believe our students have the skills and dedication to make a real impact on food security in Southern Leyte,” Hon. Mikee expressed. He also added that Southern Leyte’s coastal location offers a strategic advantage to develop marine-based initiatives that support both the environment and local economies.
The event concluded with Dr. Dewoowogen P. Baclayon, Campus Director of SLSU–Bontoc, noting that while the discussion focused on the importance of sustainable marine and aquatic ecosystems, he could personally relate, given his own experience in agricultural cultivation.
“Our work in agriculture and aquaculture may differ in approach, but the goal is the same: to preserve resources and ensure food security for our communities,” he explained.
Dr. Baclayon also gave a token of appreciation to Hon. Mikhael Leonardo “Mikee” Mercado. The gesture symbolized the long-standing partnership between the university and Southern Leyte government.
STRENGHTENING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
The success of the event was made possible through the guidance of the newly appointed SLSU–Bontoc RIES Head and Director of the Bioresource Production Technology Center (BioProTeC), as well as former campus director Professor Gladys L. Pascual, whose leadership helped steer the program.
“Our goal is to empower students and communities alike, showing that science and responsible management can create lasting impact in marine and coastal resources,” Prof. Pascual expressed. She also stated that collaboration like this could potentially open more partnerships in the global industry.
Following the event, the team conducted courtesy visits to the LGUs of Liloan Southern Leyte and Bontoc Southern Leyte, including a field visit to the sea cucumber ranching area in Liloan, to further strengthen local and global partnerships and reinforce the university’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
The Global Aquaculture Specialist On-Site Visit and Advisory Mission demonstrated that by bridging global expertise with local initiatives, the university continues to empower its academic community and contribute to the advancement of fisheries, marine ecosystems, and food systems in the region and beyond.
This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 14 – Life Below Water, SDG 15 – Life on Land, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.