SPUI, First Private Institution to Co-sponsor The Assembly of Scientists and Professors

SPUILOILO admin

Last May 12, St Paul University Iloilo, along with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) welcomed 60 scientists and university professors from all over Western Visayas (Region VI) for the 11th General Membership Assembly, NRCP Regional Cluster. The assembly had the theme, “Future Earth, Future Philippines” and started at 8 in the morning and lasted till 5 in the afternoon at the Marian Theater with the day occupied with events such as paper presentation, poster exhibits, business meetings, and invitation for membership. 

Prof. Yasmin P. Tirol presents her research finding on Oxygen consumption and growth of Epinephelus coloides during early development.

The NCRP has always conducted regional assemblies in public institutions and this was the first time a private institution was chosen to co-sponsor such an important assembly participated by scientists and educational institutions in Region VI. Some highlights during the opening ceremonies are the messages given by DOST 6 Regional Director, Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, and NRCP Executive Director, Dr. Carina G. Lao. Keynote address was also given by NRCP President, Dr. Filemon A. Uriarte, Jr. Poster exhibits prepared by NRCP members also were showcased.

Four papers were presented during the assembly and these are: Bacterial load and composition in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus cultured in brackish water earthen ponds by Dr. Rolando Pakingking; Oxygen consumption and growth of Epinephelus coloides during early development by Prof. Yasmin P. Tirol; The women fish driers: coping with the challenges of climate change by Dr. Marietta Sumagaysay; and Analysis of oil spill management in the Philippines by Dr. Rex Sabada. 

Part of assembly is the poster exhibits

Part of the event was the oath-taking of new associate and regular members of the NCRP, categorized into 13 divisions. In fact, seven University faculty and staff are NCRP members. Under the division of biological science, Paulinian NRCP members include the University Research director, Mrs. Imelda Olaguer, and College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean, Mrs. Sharon Mendoza. Under the division of Social Science, Science of Economics and Business Administration, Paulinian NRCP members include Mrs. Aurea Alyssa Garrido, Mrs. Levien Divinagracia, Mrs. Mariel Elizaga, Mrs. Victoria Mediavilla, and College of Accountancy and Business Dean, Sr. Helen Malubay.

The SPUI Team who facilitated in the assembly, (right to left) Mrs. Imelda Olaguer, Research Director, Mrs. Sharon Mendoza, Associate Dean of CAS; Mrs. Analyn Sa-an, Program Chair of BS Biology; and Mr. Francis Legario, Science Faculty Member.

With Mrs. Imelda Olaguer leading the SPUI team in active participation, the assembly proved to be very successful. The example showed by the faculty and staff is aimed to inspire more students to delve into more research endeavors. The research director herself has accomplished so much for having published eight researches, four of which are international, two national, and another two local. Her contribution to the field of biological science and Philippine fish industry includes her internationally published research on milkfish pests, fish kill, and coliform load in rivers (Gonodal aturation, fecundity, spawning, and timing of reproduction of the mud snail, Cerithidea cingulata, a pest in milk fish ponds in the Philippines; From Triphenyltin to integrated management of the pest snail Cerithidea cingulata in mangrove-derivedmilk fish ponds in the Philippines; The sulfide tolerance of milkfish and tilapia in relation to fish kills in farms and natural waters in the Philippines; Seasonal changes and coliform load of Jaluar River, Province of Iloilo, Panay Island, Philippines).