CFOS’s Student Summit caps remote BS Fisheries practicum

The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) held a Student Summit via Zoom to mark the culmination of the remote practicum of BS Fisheries undergraduate students (CFOS) on August 20, 2021.

The virtual conference was aimed to highlight the practicum experience and accomplishments of the 4th year BS Fisheries undergraduate students enrolled in Midyear 2021 in Fish 195 practicum course in Midyear 2021 through oral and poster presentations.

Fish 195 gives students opportunities and exposure to recent developments in the different fisheries sectors. It also provides students with a more profound understanding of the applications of fisheries sciences to various fields and broadens their perspectives on the additional career opportunities after graduation.

Eighty students participated in the summit. Ten groups vied in the oral presentation, while 14 in the poster contest. Three winners were chosen in each competition.

Adjudged as best oral presentations were the following: First place,” Crossing the Philippine Seaweed Industry “ by Marianne Herrada, Joseph Keith Paulo Nava, John Patrick Octavio, and Reymark Busalla with Asst. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann Borlongan as the adviser; Second place, “Production Trend Analysis: Case of Philippine Fisheries (2008-2019)” by Khrisna Artus, Nicole Balad-on, Andrea Bolano, Brittany Britton, Honey June Gabiota, Claudette Lanceta, Duke Monsale, Bianca Pestano, Richelle Potato, and Merry Beatrice Sanchez with Mr. Leonilo Endoma, Jr. as the adviser; and Third place, “Assessment of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei Sustainability: The Philippine Scenario” by AJ Felongco, Klynne Kuizon, and Francis Tagnong with Ms. Cherry Añasco as the adviser.

For the poster presentation, the winners were: First place, “Seaweed Industry in the Philippines” by Kyle Martin Alejandrino, Marcel Jaudia, Kelee Ira Nodque, and Cherry Dale Templonuevo with  Asst. Prof. Dr. Carmelo del Castillo as the adviser; Second place, “Philippine Seaweed Industry Review” by Ma. DelzaAnduque, Donita Gwen Gulmatico, Maria Alexandra Fontanilla, and Robert Christian Patani with Asst. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann Borlongan as the adviser; and Third place was shared by the presentations entitled “A Review on the Current Practices and Key Areas for Improvement of the Philippine Tilapia Aquaculture Industry” by Trisha Marie Felisilda, Divine Angela Serag, and Rizaldo Ian Tambong and “Marine Fish Aquaculture Industry” by Hannah Labrador, Karl Abismo, and Vince Matthew Bolido. Añasco and Borlongan were the advisers of the two presentations, respectively.

A poster entitled “Assessment of Fish Processing Practices in Atabayan and Baguingin, Tigbauan” won the People’s Choice Special Award for Poster. The authors were Noreen Beah M. Alar, Mary Famille Don S. De Asis, Katrina Fleur May G. Esclares, Edrose Jane G. Hilaus, Ava Victoria S. Liwag, Rhanette A. Macero, Mauriz Grace M. Palafox, Gleann P. Salido, Ma. Lorena M. Serisola, and Vaye Melbourne T. Tirado. Their adviser is Asst. Prof. Lhumen A. Tejano.

Judges from various fields were invited to evaluate students’ performances. Dr. Mary Jane Apine-Amar (UPV), Dr. Sheryll Santander-Avanceña (SEAFDEC-AQD), Dr. Rhoda Mae Simora (UPV), and Ms. Maria Aimee Sobrevega (BFAR VI) were the panel of judges for the oral competition. Mr. Fredson Huervana (UPV), Ms. Katya G. Bonilla (UP-MSI), Ms. Karmelie M. Monaya (UPV), and Ms. Precious Nikola Gaurana (UPV) led the evaluation for the poster competition.

The Student Summit Committee is composed of Asst. Prof. Joshua Regalado, Ms. Josielou Chan, Mr. Christian James Morales, Mr. Vince Neil Fuertes, and Mr. John Rey Moleño.

The Committee was pleased to see the excellent and engaging presentations of the different groups in both competitions. The committee extends its congratulations to the winners and gratitude to the participants, advisers, faculty, the judges, and CFOS dean, Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap, for the support.

The CFOS designed practicum guidelines for student practicum amidst the pandemic. The four institutes of the College, namely the Institute of Aquaculture, Institute of Fish Processing Technology, Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology, and Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies, prepared specific activities for their students to achieve the learning outcomes of the practicum course albeit done remotely.

The students expressed their gratitude to their advisers for helping them overcome the challenges of the new practicum setup.

“It was sad that our batch wasn’t able to have a face-to-face practicum wherein we get to visit new places and interact with the people in the field. However, with the current pandemic situation, it was still a privilege to be able to meet and listen from the webinars with speakers coming from different aquaculture industries not only in the country but also from Asiad and Australia. We also had the chance to host a webinar and present our ideas and learning in a student summit,” said Marriane Herreda, one of the authors of the first place in the oral presentation.

“Overall, it was difficult and challenging, but through the help of our practicum advisers and classmates, we were able to pull through.” (Ms. Lenilyn Basco-Gallos, CFOS)