AQUACULTURE RESILIENCE: Forum to tackle climate adaptation and economic growth in aquaculture

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Institute of Contemporary Economics (ICE), in collaboration with key academic, industry, and international partners, will convene a crucial forum to address the impacts of climate change on the region’s vital aquaculture sector.

The event, titled “Pagtalupangod III: Marrying Economic Growth with Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency – The Case for Aquaculture,” is scheduled for August 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UP Visayas Little Theater, Iloilo City Campus.

The forum aims to shift the conversation from the widely-studied negative effects of climate change towards proactive, localized adaptation and mitigation strategies. It will bring together experts and practitioners to share local knowledge and chart a course for a resilient aquaculture industry that supports both economic growth and food security in Western Visayas.

“It is not enough that we rely solely on experiences of other regions to begin our own solutions,” according to Joseph Ladrido, executive director of the Institute of Contemporary Economics which is a co-presentor of the forum.

“This forum will focus on our region’s specific challenges and opportunities, exploring the state of our aquaculture and the tangible impacts of climate change here at home.”

The discussion is a response to the growing risk that climate change poses to global food production, particularly to protein sources from the aquaculture value chain.

The full-day discussion will feature leading voices, including:

• Dr Yasmin Primavera-Tirol of Aklan State University who will provide an overview of climate change and aquaculture.
• Remia A. Aparri, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6, to discuss key environmental policies.
• Aurelio de los Reyesfrom the UPLB Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, to present on mangrove-friendly aquaculture engineering.
• Experts from theZoological Society of London (ZSL), Germaine Jalandoni de Ruña and Dr. G. Reuben Clements, who will cover the National Blue Carbon Action Partnership and sustainable finance.
• Joseph Ladridoof the Institute of Contemporary Economics (ICE), who will present data on the local aquaculture industry.

A presentation from Iloilo’s fishpond operators will also provide a crucial on-the-ground perspective.

This initiative is co-presented by a powerful consortium of partners, including UP Visayas, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter (PCCI-Iloilo), and the Iloilo Aquaculture Farmers Association and the Institute of Contemporary Economics.

The event is open to aquaculture stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, students, and the general public.

The event is also supported by Converge and Daily Guardian as official media partner.