UPV-CFOS clinches gold at the 10th nat’l fisheries biotech quiz bee

Representatives from the University of the Philippines Visayas, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (UPV-CFOS) secured the championship at the 10th National Fisheries Biotechnology Quiz Bee competition held at Initao, Misamis Oriental from April 22–23, 2026.

The winning team, composed of Elijah Estoya (4th Year BS Fisheries) and Hikaru Chunai (3rd Year BS Fisheries), bested other participants from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) offering BS Fisheries program across the country.

They were mentored by their coach Mr. Omar Adrianne Alaman, faculty member of the Institute of Aquaculture (IA).

The competition covered five critical thematic areas, namely; 1. Fundamentals of Biotechnology, 2. Fisheries Genetics and Aquaculture Biotechnology, 3. Fish Health, Diagnostics, and Disease Management Biotechnology, 4. Environmental and Conservation Biotechnology, and 5. Biotechnology Policy, Ethics, and Emerging Trends.

By securing the top spot, the UPV-CFOS team underscored the University’s continued leadership in fisheries education and its commitment to producing graduates ready to tackle global food security and environmental sustainability.

The quiz bee competition was the highlight of the 10th National Fisheries Biotechnology Symposium organized by the Department of Agriculture-Fisheries Biotechnology Center.

This year’s gathering was centred on the theme, “From Research to Sustainability: Biotechnology Advancing Resilient and Food-Secure Fisheries.”

CFOS-IA faculty member Dr. Peter Palma and University Researcher Dr. Mary Jane Apines-Amar served as plenary speakers sharing their knowledge and expertise in the field. (Written by LBGallos; with sources from Omar Adrianne Alaman)