CFOS marks 68th Foundation Week championing sustainable seafood, food security

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The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) recently marked its 68th Founding Anniversary from February 9–13, 2026.

Themed “Sustainable Seafood, Secured Future” (Pagsakdag sa Dunang Manggad sang Katubigan, Masegurado ang Palaabuton), the weeklong event underscored CFOS’s commitment to preserve the marine resources to ensure food sustainability and secure the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The celebration kicked off with an opening program with remarks from CFOS dean Prof. Dr. Harold M. Monteclaro and Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano. Addressing the CFOS constituents, Monteclaro underscored the importance of marine resource conservation and the need to minimize food waste within the industry. Camposano called for the protection of coastlines and communities evoking the stewardship of our ancestors to safeguard the seas for future generations.

The event’s highlight was the insightful keynote from CFOS alumna Josette Emlem Genio, Co-Founder and Sustainable Markets Specialist of Bluer Seas Philippines, Inc., on the future of Filipino seafood consumption.

In her address, “Mainstreaming Sustainability: Shaping the Future of Seafood Consumption in the Philippines,” Genio shared the historical and modern insights on sustainable seafood. She underscored the challenges and efforts on responsible seafood sourcing in the country.

“Sustainability must not be limited to high-value seafood,” Genio asserted. “it must also encompass the everyday fish that Filipinos eat.”

Emphasizing the need for grassroots action, she added, “the future of sustainable seafood always begins at the grassroots.”

Genio concluded by urging the students to be mindful consumers, leaving them a provocative challenge about their future careers.

“Will there be fish when you graduate? What role will you play in making sure they do—even if it means doing the unconventional?”

The celebration featured a lecture forum presented by the four newly promoted full professors, showcasing the diverse researches that propel CFOS at the forefront of fisheries education.

Prof. Dr. Sheila Mae Santander-De Leon, Prof. Dr. Sharon N. Nuñal, Prof. Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols, and Prof. Dr. Rhoda Mae C. Simora delivered parallel lectures on topics related to marine biodiversity, post-harvest fisheries, aquaculture and omics, and fish gene editing, respectively.

Santander-De Leon urged a deeper scrutiny of our marine ecosystems in “Ikaw, Ako, kag si Dagat.”

Nuñal explored the microscopic world of fish freshness in her presentation titled, “Beyond What We See: Microbes and Molecules Driving Post-Harvest Fisheries.”

Ferriols highlighted the application of omics technology in research in aquaculture sector to achieve sustainable seafood in his presentation, “The Future is in Aquaculture: Applying Omics Tools for Sustainable Production.”

Simora discussed the future of gene editing to redesign fish traits for improved weight and immunity as a solution to the global protein crisis in her lecture on “Fin-Tuning the Future: Redesigning the Modern Fish.”

The sessions were attended by high school students from Guimbal National High School, San Joaquin School of Fisheries, UP High School in Iloilo, and St. Louise de Marillac School of Miagao and CFOS students. This was followed by viewing of the photo exhibits and guided tours to CFOS facilities and laboratories.

Dean Monteclaro led a special ceremony recognizing the seven topnotchers of the 2025 Fisheries Professional Licensure Exam (FPLE) presenting them with certificates and cash awards in appreciation of their hard work, dedication, and excellence that brought honor and prestige to CFOS.

Academic achievers who excel in their academic activities during the first and second semesters of AY 2024-2025 and first semester of AY 2025-2026 were also honored  at the recognition program held at the AV Hall on February 12, 2026.

The CFOS community actively participated in the coastal clean-up, outdoor sports activities, and Pasundayag.

An open house of CFOS administrative offices at the Villadolid Hall and Mr. and Ms. CFOS 2026 pageant capped the weeklong celebration.

The 68th Foundation Week served as a powerful reminder of the CFOS’s role and contribution in shaping the future of Philippine fisheries for food security and sustainability.

Written by Lenilyn B. Gallos