A major research initiative is set to address the growing threat of toxic algae in Laguna Lake, the Philippines’ largest freshwater lake.
Triggered by pollution, overfishing, aquaculture practices, and climate change, the lake has increasingly experienced harmful algal blooms (HABs), also known as cyanoHABs. These blooms produce cyanotoxins, which are dangerous chemical compounds that accumulate in the water and in fish. Serious risks can be faced by humans who consume contaminated fish, including damage to the liver, cells, and even DNA.
Sampling sites at the Laguna de Bay. (Image credit: DOST-PNRI project team)
The project, “Supporting Cyanotoxin Risk Assessment through Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques for Food Safety and Water Quality Management of Freshwater Lake Systems,” aims to enhance the country’s capabilities in detecting, measuring, and managing cyanoHABS. Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the project promotes the use of nuclear and isotopic technologies to effectively monitor and assess health risks of these dangerous toxins.
Currently, Laguna Lake is a crucial source of freshwater and supports a thriving fisheries industry. However, without a proper monitoring system or strict safety regulations, the public remains at risk of ingesting contaminated fish and water.
The project seeks to fill this gap by introducing advanced analytical methods, using aptamers, and creating tools to assess risks based on algae levels, toxin concentration, and water quality. Aptamers are target-binding nucleic acid molecules beneficial in cyanotoxin detection.
In its first two years, the initiative has made significant accomplishments. Researchers have developed a risk analysis matrix combining data on toxin levels, algal species, and water quality parameters. They have also designed aptamer-based test kits that may allow faster and more accurate detection of cyanotoxins in real time. This technology is still in the development stage.
Ultimately, the project aims to create science-based policies and real-time monitoring systems to better manage cyanobacterial blooms, protect public health, and protect the lake's ecosystem. Through public education and advanced research, the project hopes to boost awareness about the dangers of cyanotoxins while supporting the long-term sustainability of Laguna Lake.
DOST PCAARRD representatives from OED-ARMSS and SERD participated in the three-day conference series of WELA 2025. From left to right: Ms. Princess Alma B. Ani, Ms. Micah Angelica V. Adique, Ms. Sharon P. Batoon, Ms. Annette M. Tobias, Ms. Jo-jee T. Ocampo, Ms. Frances Efraim T. Valdez, and Ms. Mary Jessica M. Juliano. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Aligned with its commitment and support for sustainable innovation led by women in agriculture, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) participated in the 3rd International Conference on Women Empowerment and Leadership in Agriculture (WELA) held from May 14 to 16, 2025 in Butuan City. This year’s conference was funded by the Council.
Themed, “Women and Innovations for the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Sector towards Sustainable Development,” WELA convened local and international researchers, faculty members, policymakers, students, and representatives from the local government units. Spearheaded by Caraga State University (CSU), the three-day conference series aimed to address gaps in gender and development advocacy, harness gender and technical knowledge, and create opportunities by leveraging in-person discussions among local and global experts in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
CSU President Rolyn C. Daguil reaffirmed the university’s unwavering support for all participants, especially women in agriculture. Also showing his support to women in agriculture, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora highlighted the valuable role of women as the heart of agricultural development. He emphasized that WELA serves as an important platform to discuss and address gender disparities in agriculture, celebrate achievements, and strengthen partnerships toward an inclusive and equitable agricultural sector.
DOST PCAARRD GADSPU led the conference for the subtheme, Innovations in Food Security and Public Health. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Along with Dr. Ebora, several distinguished keynote speakers also shared their messages of support, including Ms. Kate Turner-Mann, Director of Capacity-Building at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, Director of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
Organized under the leadership of Dr. Raquel Balanay, CSU Professor and Director of the Caraga Consortium for AANR Research and Development (CCAARRD), WELA 2025 focused on key subthemes, including gender equality, inclusive governance, food security, digital technologies, and climate-resilient agriculture. Plenary sessions and conferences served as central pillars of WELA, fostering collaborative learning and providing participants with the opportunity to present their research studies related to the identified sub-themes.
Ms. Annette M. Tobias served as moderator for the plenary session on Gender-Responsive Approaches in Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry and Natural Resources Research: Enhancing Equity, Innovation, and Sustainability in the AANR sector. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Ms. Annette M. Tobias, Head of the Gender and Development and Special Projects Unit (GADSPU), who represented DOST-PCAARRD, took on significant roles as session moderator, chair, and rapporteur. Other staff members from the Office of the Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (OED-ARMSS) and the Socio-Economic Research Division (SERD) also contributed to the three-day conference.
Four DOST-PCAARRD-funded GAD projects were presented in a plenary session under Gender-Responsive Approaches in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Forestry and Natural Resources Research: Enhancing Equity, Innovation, and Sustainability in the AANR sector. These included the following: “Comprehensive Gender Analysis of R&D Projects in Selected Commodities in the AANR Sector,” led by Dr. Melanie P. Tolentino of Central Luzon State University (CLSU); “Development of a Gender-Responsive Knowledge Transfer Pathway for Potential Adoption of Best Practices in Philippine Vegetable Production Systems,” under Dr. Lilian Nuñez of the Visayas State University (VSU); “Improving Agricultural Productivity and Competitiveness of Women Livelihood Operators through Gender-Responsive S&T Strategies,” headed by Asst. Prof. Lei A. Pangilinan-Jamolin from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), and “Gender Impact Assessment of Forest Conservation Projects Among Indigenous Peoples in Luzon, Philippines,” under the leadership of Dr. Felisa L. Malabayabas also from UPLB.
WELA highlighted the progressive contributions of women towards agriculture through research and development. Moreover, this conference underscored the importance of gender-responsive innovation and women’s pivotal role in championing gender equality and leadership in the AANR sector. The conference also served as a platform to develop partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities for different stakeholders towards inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.
On the third day of the event, Ms. Tobias shared the Council’s GAD R&D framework and Agenda, which serves as a roadmap for integrating gender in research and development and outlines ways to achieve a more gender-inclusive, resilient, and sustainable AANR sector through science, technology, and innovation. It also encourages collaboration and partnerships among WELA participants.
Ms. Sharon P. Batoon expressed her appreciation to the WELA conference, highlighting the importance of collaboration in research and capacity development to ensure women empowerment and gender equity in AANR. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Closing the event was DOST-PCAARRD Deputy Executive Director Dr. Melvin B. Carlos of OED-ARMSS, represented by Ms. Sharon P. Batoon, OED-ARMSS Supervising Science Research Specialist and Head Executive Officer, expressed gratitude and appreciation for the successful conduct of WELA 2025 recognizing the vital role of organizers, speakers, and participants of WELA. Ms. Batoon also reaffirmed the importance of research and collaboration, providing a platform for researchers, leaders, and stakeholders to discuss and create meaningful insights for advancing women's empowerment in agriculture. As a call to action, she emphasized the need to address the identified gaps in gender research as well as to continuously strengthen capacity building among researchers towards gender mainstreaming in programs and projects in the AANR sector.
The WELA conference is an annual initiative led by eight Filipinas trained under ACIAR’s Meryl Williams Fellowship (MWF) Program. It is designed to be an effective and engaging platform for convergence towards inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development goals in AANR. Looking ahead, Cavite State University (CvSU) has been announced as the host of the next WELA conference, signaling continued momentum for gender-responsive innovation in the years to come.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony during the inauguration of the PSHS-MC Technology Transfer and Licensing Office (TTLO). (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Technology Transfer and Licensing Office (TTLO) of the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus (PSHS-MC) was formally inaugurated on May 19, 2025 at the PSHS-MC in Quezon City. The Main Campus is the 12th in the PSHS System to establish a dedicated office that manages intellectual property and promotes utilization of research-based innovations.
The event was graced by officials from the PSHS System, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), and other partners from the academe.
In his welcome message, PSHS-MC Campus Director Rod Allan A. De Lara emphasized the importance of the TTLO in contributing to national development. “The TTLO plays a vital role in uplifting livelihoods by bringing science and innovation closer to the Filipino people,” he said.
Ms. Lucy Lastimosa, Assistant Director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), delivers a message during the inauguration of the Technology Transfer and Licensing Office (TTLO) at the Philippine Science High School–Main Campus. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
PSHS System Executive Director Ronnalee Orteza inspired the attendees by highlighting how the TTLO will serve as a bridge between academic innovations and societal impact. “Let us remember that this is just the beginning. The success of the TTLO lies in our hands,” she remarked.
Representing DOST-PCAARRD, Ms. Lucy Lastimosa, Assistant Director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the government and academe in building a vibrant and competitive innovation ecosystem. She noted that partnerships like this are critical in turning science-based outputs into real-world solutions.
Ms. Jodi Mylene M. Lopez, Science Education Specialist and Project Leader of the DOST-PCAARRD-supported initiative, “Developing Technology Transfer Capacity of PSHSS,” provided an overview of the project’s key milestones. She stressed that the lessons learned from the first phase will guide their approach in the succeeding phase – commercializing PSHS-developed technologies.
Unveiling of the Technology Transfer and Licensing Office (TTLO) marker at the Philippine Science High School–Main Campus. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The program concluded with a closing remark from Ms. Catherine Joy Dela Cruz, Technology Licensing Officer of PSHS-MC, who shared the office’s accomplishments and accepted the challenge to further scale their efforts.
With the continued expansion of its TTLO network, the PSHS System is taking significant strides toward fostering an innovation ecosystem that ensures science and technology outputs reach industries and communities across the country.
The Pampanga State Agricultural University's (PSAU) Technology Business Incubation (TBI) facility inauguration and marker unveiling ceremony on May 6, 2025 at the Office of Innovation, PSAU, Magalang, Pampanga. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) held its Technology Business Incubation (TBI) facility inauguration and marker unveiling ceremony on May 6, 2025 at the Office of Innovation, PSAU in Magalang, Pampanga.
During the program, PSAU Office of Innovation Assistant Director Divine Reine S. Aquino mentioned that the PSAU-TBI will be named after its mission, which is “Shaping Innovation, Building and Uplifting Lives” (SIBUL-TBI). Aquino said that SIBUL-TBI will be positioned as a facility instrumental in increasing the commercialization of technologies in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector. She also emphasized that SIBUL-TBI is more than just a facility for uplifting the readiness level of PSAU-generated technologies, but also a symbol of committing to the future endeavors of the office.
DOST-PCAARRD and PSAU officials and staff during the SIBUL-TBI marker unveiling at the Office of Innovation, PSAU, Magalang, Pampanga. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
DOST-PCAARRD Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Director Noel A. Catibog shared in his message that the Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) marker is a symbol of collaboration and commitment of DOST-PCAARRD with PSAU and other partner agencies, as well as a reminder for the continuous endeavors of the SIBUL-TBI in making commercialization of local technologies work.
On behalf of DOST-PCAARRD Institution Development Division (IDD) Director Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Science Research Specialist II Victor P. Alcantara said that the SIBUL-TBI is the sixth improved facility inaugurated in PSAU, demonstrating DOST-PCAARRD’s commitment to the University’s capacity development, technology transfer, and commercialization. He also mentioned that through the programs of IDD, the upskilling and reskilling of researchers alongside upgrading research facilities may lead to more effective research and development activities in the AANR sector.
Inside the inaugurated SIBUL-TBI at the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU). (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by the unveiling of the ATBI marker, and the blessing of the office.
The delegation from PCAARRD and SEI, and ACIAR with the PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program Scholars and International Marketing and Recruitment Officer at James Cook University, Douglas Campus, Townsville
[From left to right: Front row, from left to right: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon (PCAARRD), Mr. Arvin Navarro (JCU), Dr. Reynaldo Ebora(PCAARRD), Ms. Kate Turner-Mann (ACIAR), Dr. Melvin Carlos (PCAARRD), Dr. Fezoil Luz Decena (PCAARRD), Mr. Peter Gerry Gavina (SEI), and Dr. Jayeel Cornelio (SEI). Back row: Ms. Sheryll Lee Sales (SEI), Ms. Mara Faylon (ACIAR), Ms. Tara Abrina (Scholar), Ms. Emilia Lastica-Ternura (Scholar), Dir.Leilani Pelegrina (PCAARRD), and Dr. Adelaida Calpe (PCAARRD).] (Image credit: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon)
In a bid to bolster international scientific collaboration, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and the DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) conducted a week-long mission to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and top Australian universities from May 5 to 11, 2025.
The visit was part of the ongoing PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program, which includes the John Allwright Fellowship – Philippines (JAF-Ph) and the International Graduate Research Education for Agriculture and Technology (iGREAT). These programs support Filipino doctoral scholars pursuing research at leading institutions such as James Cook University, Southern Cross University, the University of Queensland, Griffith University, and RMIT University.
Eight Filipino scholars presented their research contributions addressing key national issues—from agribusiness and food safety to marine ecosystem restoration and public health. Their work underscores the alignment of Philippine research priorities with global sustainability and innovation goals.
The delegation from PCAARRD and SEI, and ACIAR with the PhilDOST-ACIAR Fellowship Program Scholars and Officials and Professors of the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability at the University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Brisbane [From left to right: Front row: Dr. Fezoil Luz Decena (PCAARRD), Ms. Kim Dianne Ligue (Scholar), Ms. Mara Faylon (ACIAR), Dr. Adelaida Calpe (PCAARRD), Dir.Leilani Pelegrina (PCAARRD), Dr. Jayeel Cornelio (SEI), Dr. Reynaldo Ebora(PCAARRD), Prof. Severine van Bommel (UQ), Prof. Jacquie Mitchell, Ms. Kate Turner-Mann (ACIAR), Prof. Sagadevan Mundree (UQ), and Prof. Rajendra Adhikari (UQ). Back row: Ms. Miko Mariz Castro (Scholar), Mr. Pee-Jay Rejuso (Scholar), Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon (PCAARRD), Ms. Sheryll Lee Sales (SEI), Mr. Peter Gerry Gavina (SEI), Dr. Melvin Carlos (PCAARRD), Prof. Victor Galea (UQ), and Dr. Sangeeta Prakash (UQ)]. (Image credit: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon)
“This mission goes beyond monitoring progress. It’s about reaffirming our commitment to scientific excellence, scholar support, and long-term institutional collaboration,” said Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD.
The delegation also held strategic discussions with faculty from James Cook University, UQ’s School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, and Queensland University of Technology, exploring future partnerships in agriculture, aquatic sciences, environmental management, and digital innovation.
The mission concluded with a wrap-up meeting to chart the future direction of the fellowships, further cementing the shared vision of DOST and ACIAR in developing globally competitive Filipino scientists and impactful, solutions-driven research.
The delegation from PCAARRD and SEI with the Officials and Professors of the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
[From left to right: First row: Dr. Reynaldo Ebora(PCAARRD), Mr. Ian McFadden (QUT), and Dr. Jayeel Cornelio (SEI),Second row: Dir.Leilani Pelegrina (PCAARRD), Dr. Fezoil Luz Decena (PCAARRD), Ms Annie Liu (QUT), Ms Kelly Tomlinson (QUT), Prof. Beth Saggers (QUT), Dr. Melvin Carlos (PCAARRD), Dr. Adelaida Calpe (PCAARRD), Mr. Peter Gerry Gavina (SEI), Ms. Sheryll Lee Sales (SEI), and Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon (PCAARRD). Third row: Prof Alberto Bellocchi (QUT), Prof Alistair Barros (QUT), Dr Daniel Chin (QUT), and Prof Peter Prentis (QUT)].(image credits: Ms. Dianne Therese Dizon)
