CFOS-IA visits and conducts sampling at Jalaur Dam

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The Institute of Aquaculture (IA), College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), conducted a site visit and sampling activity at the Jalaur Dam in Calinog, Iloilo, on Jan. 26, 2026, as part of its continuing public service engagement with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The activity aimed to assess site conditions and served as an initial step in generating baseline information to support future technical advisory initiatives involving the Jalaur Dam.

Present during the activity were IA Director Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols, IA University Research Associate Dr. Feby Carmen, Master of Science in Ocean Sciences graduate student Ms. Mae Dell S. Silfavan, UPV BAC Station Head Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana, and IA staff Andy R. Taja-on, together with officials and staff of the National Irrigation Administration – Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II.

The ongoing collaboration between IA and NIA began in December 2024, with NIA routinely submitting water samples to the Soil and Water Quality Laboratory of the UPV Brackishwater Aquaculture Center (UPV-BAC) in Leganes, Iloilo, for analysis.

University Researcher Ms. Rosy L. Janeo and University Research Associate Ms. Bessie Joy G. Elle of UPV BAC, along with Dr. Carmen, have been extending technical support to NIA, particularly in water sample collection and laboratory analyses.

The public service engagement was also supported by the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (IMFO) PlanktoNiche Laboratory and led by Dr. Cristy S. Acabado, from which the sampling instruments were sourced.

During the site visit, the IA team coordinated closely with NIA personnel to discuss operational concerns, site characteristics, and potential areas of collaboration, particularly on environmental monitoring, water resources management, and their implications for fisheries and aquaculture.

This engagement highlights IA’s commitment to providing scientific expertise and public service support to national government agencies, consistent with UPV’s mandate as a national university. (CFOS-IA)