With the threat caused by Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) remaining a concern in the shrimp industry, an initiative to understand Vibrio infections is underway. This could pave the way for the development of targeted strategies to manage bacterial outbreaks in shrimp farming.
Project team processing samples. (Image credit: DA-NFRDI project team)
Outbreaks caused by AHPND have been documented in various countries including the Philippines. The disease was first recorded in the country in 2015 and has since spread nationwide. Globally, AHPND results in economic losses underscoring its virulence and rapid spread. Recognized as a disease of global concern, it has been listed as notifiable by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
AHPND is also known as Early Mortality Syndrome. Following its namesake, cases of AHPND have been reported to cause up to 100% mortality in shrimp within 20–30 days of stocking. This is causing major economic concerns affecting viral aquaculture species like the giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and whiteleg shrimp (P. vannamei).
To address this issue, the project, “Role of Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) during Shrimp Infection of Vibrio spp.-causing AHPND,” under the Manila Economic and Cultural Office-Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (MECO-TECO) Program plans to study the different types of bacteria that cause AHPND. It focuses on understanding how T6SS, a system used by the bacteria, helps in the infection of shrimps. The project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Through its implementation, the project has made significant strides in understanding Vibrio strains responsible for APHND. The study completed the genome sequencing of four strains: Vibrio parahaemolyticus PH1339 and PH1273, as well as Vibrio campbellii PH1401 and PH1409. These genetic blueprints provide critical insights into the bacteria's behavior and evolution.
In addition, the team conducted comparative genome and phylogenetic analysis to explore the association between AHPND and T6SS. According to the project team, understanding the T6SS could open new disease management pathways.
Within three years, the research holds promise in providing information in developing highly specific disease control measures for the aquaculture industry.
Western Mindanao took a major step forward in research and development (R&D) and innovation as several institutions unveiled new offices dedicated to managing intellectual property and commercializing technologies. The ceremonies, held from December 16 to 18, 2024, highlighted the region’s pursuit to turn scientific discoveries into practical solutions for its stakeholders.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through its Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) led by Dir. Noel A. Catibog, traveled across the region to participate in these events. This is alongside Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), the lead agency of the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) program in Western Mindanao.
J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), and Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) launched their Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) offices with the unveiling of their office markers. (Image credit: TTPD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Four institutions — J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI), and Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) — launched their Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM) offices with the unveiling of their office markers. These milestones were graced by their agency heads: JHCSC President Edgardo H. Rosales, JRMSU President Maria Rio A. Naguit, PRRI Director Cheryl L. Eusala, ZSCMST OIC-President Roderick D. Trio, and Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Rufa L. Mendez. Each institution reaffirmed its commitment to driving impactful R&D for societal and economic advancement.
Along with the unveiling ceremonies, a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activity was also conducted for the RAISE program component and subcomponent projects, culminating in the Regional Year 1 Annual Program Review. Project accomplishments were presented by the project leaders and staff: Dr. Reynante E. Autida, Engr. Arvic S. Francisco, Atty. Maria P.L.C. Elago, Dr. Norqueen T. Dumadaug, Assoc. Prof. Gladess A. Pagal, and Ms. Lucy F. Sadiwa of WMSU; Mr. Rickler R. Detalla of JHCSC, Asst. Prof. Yhebron J. Lagud of JRMSU; Engr. Evangeline P. Garcia of PRRI; and Dr. Maila V. Pan of ZSCMST.
Key discussions during the program review included strategic plans for improving overall program implementation particularly in fostering inclusivity through regional activities, enhancing knowledge management, and leveraging platforms to promote technology commercialization initiatives. Collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives were emphasized with a challenge to amplify the region’s collective progress.
These activities demonstrated the region’s dedication to advancing agri-aqua innovations and reinforcing local industries. By working together, Western Mindanao is poised to make significant contributions to the country’s innovation ecosystem through the RAISE program.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 S&T Innovations in Agri-Aqua (SINAG) Awards from January 02 - March 28, 2025.
A biennial event, SINAG Awards highlights the exceptional contributions of individuals, groups, or organizations that significantly advance science and technology innovations in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors through the successful adoption and commercialization of a component technology or package of technologies.
The SINAG Awards consist of three categories: Innovator; Facilitator/Enabler; and Adopter.
The Innovator Category recognizes the merit of the technology being commercialized to be given jointly to the original technology owner and the inventor/author.
The Facilitator/Enabler Category highlights the contribution of facilitators or enablers based on the merits of how the technologies were moved from research up to the commercialization stage.
The Adopter Category gives tribute to an entity that successfully commercialized a technology.
What’s New for the 2025 SINAG Awards?
The SINAG Awards continue to highlight the importance of innovation for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental preservation. This year’s award will examine breakthroughs that foster new technological innovations, practices, and solutions that address key challenges in the country's AANR sector. By recognizing the efforts of those who bring new ideas and solutions to the forefront, the program hopes to inspire others to engage in meaningful research and development to improve the Filipinos' quality of life.
The 2025 SINAG Awards shall cover an 18-month accomplishment, starting from the last evaluation period of the previous award conferment.
The Awards are open to all Filipino individuals/groups of individuals/institutions who have shown outstanding performance on technology generation, facilitation and enablement, and commercialization of a locally generated technology. Prizes include a plaque of recognition, a cash prize, and a one-year technology commercialization grant (proposal-based). Finalists for each category will be given a cash prize of P50,000 each and a certificate of recognition.
The 2025 SINAG Awards will be presented during the DOST-PCAARRD Anniversary celebration in November 2025.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) continues to nurture the next generation of project leaders through its Council of Elders (COELs) mentoring initiative. From July 15 to 19, 2024, the program launched its tailored mentoring phase, targeting new and emerging leaders in R&D management.
The “One-on-One Mentoring along the Project Cycle” program distinguished itself with its comprehensive mentoring approach. From September to December 2024, it focused on developing technical, administrative, and project management skills. It covered all stages of the project cycle, from conceptualization and implementation to the pre-terminal phase. Although termed “One-on-One,” these sessions also engaged team members, fostering collective learning and addressing broader challenges.
The initiative was led by the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) of DOST-PCAARRD. A total of 27 mentees from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) joined the program. Additionally, staffers from other government agencies, such as the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC) and PCA-Albay Research Center (ARC), also participated in the activity.
The initiative featured 58 structured mentoring sessions, starting with the stakeholders’ needs assessment, followed by expert guidance through regular follow-ups to ensure project alignment. Some mentees further developed their concept notes into detailed proposals for submission to DOST-PCAARRD’s funding program in 2025.
Training leaders in R&D Management
Project leaders were carefully matched with seasoned researchers and experts based on their identified needs. These mentoring sessions spanned a wide array of fields, including crops, livestock, marine and aquatic resources, forestry, biodiversity, socio-economics, technology development, and more. This diverse expertise ensured that the mentees received targeted and quality support throughout the project cycle.
A series of online mentoring sessions of the new and budding project leaders of ongoing DOST-PCAARRD projects (Image credit: Hannah Lyn E. Carandang)
Among the highlights of the mentoring activity was the progress made on project proposals. Four proposals were developed, with plans to package them for DOST-PCAARRD funding this year. These proposals evolved from rough drafts and initial concepts into more refined and final versions, as project leaders incorporated the feedback and suggestions provided by their mentors.
Notably, the mentoring initiative covered all stages of the project cycle, ensuring that both ongoing projects and those in the early stages of proposal development were supported. Many mentees were first-time project leaders of DOST-PCAARRD-GIA projects, making this activity a valuable platform to guide them in R&D management, from concept development to execution.
The program’s success hinged on the commitment of 12 seasoned mentors. These experts shared their vast experience and offered practical advice, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Their guidance addressed mentees’ immediate project challenges while fostering long-term leadership skills. These esteemed mentors included:
Dr. Lily Ann D. Lando (S&T Consultant)
Dr. Eureka Teresa M. Ocampo (Director, Institute of Crop Science-UPLB)
Dr. Ernelea P. Cao (Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman)
Dr. Blesshe L. Querijero (former UPLB Professor)
Dr. Marcelino U. Siladan (former DOST-PCAARRD Supervising Senior Science Research Specialist)
Dr. Rene C. Santiago (Center Chief, National Swine and Poultry Research Development Center)
Dr. Kevin F. Yaptenco (Professor, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology-UPLB)
Dr. Rodel G. Maghirang (Former Director, Institute of Plant Breeding-UPLB)
Dr. Rodmyr F. Datoon (Director, Agricultural Systems Institute-UPLB)
Dr. Rachel June R. Gotanco (Professor, Marine Science Institute-UPD)
Dr. Agnes C. Rola (Professor Emeritus, College of Public Affairs and Development, UPLB)
Ms. Maria Lea H. Villavicencio (University Researcher, Institute of Plant Breeding-UPLB).
An on-site mentoring experience by Dr. Angie R. Poliquit (middle) with her mentor Dr. Rene C. Santiago (left) and Mr. Rez Bahaya (right) during their ItikPinas farm visit in Davao City (Image credit: Dr. Angie R. Poliquit, USeP-Tagum Mabini)
In addition to the online mentoring sessions, one mentee had the unique opportunity to meet her mentor in person and gain on-site guidance. This face-to-face interaction allowed for more specific technical advice and sector-related information, providing real-world insights that were instrumental in advancing the mentee’s current project.
Mentoring through the COELs opened up opportunities for collaboration with new projects being developed from the combined disciplines. Mentors played a key role in helping budding project leaders expand their networks, which in turn contributed to the success of their projects. This initiative is a testament that mentoring goes beyond sharing knowledge, experience, and expertise–it fosters lasting relationships and creates sustainable impacts.
A new technology to detect the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) continues to be optimized by the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ITDI).
Tomato plant infected with tomato yellow leaf curl virus. (DOST-ITDI)
This initiative is through the project, “Development of a LAMP-based Detection Kit for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)- Philippine strains,” by the Virology and Vaccine Research of the Philippines (VRP) program funded by DOST.
Project Leader Elizabeth G. Panerio said that the project aims to develop a reliable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based detection kit for TYLCV. This virus causes stunting, yellowing, and leaf curling, ultimately reducing fruit quality and increasing yield losses.
The diagnostic tool may serve as an early-warning intervention tool in disease monitoring and quarantine efforts, enabling local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders to take timely actions and prevent TYLCV outbreaks.
Dr. Elizabeth G. Panerio and her team during the 20th National Biotechnology Week (NBW) exhibition at the University of the Philppines Los Baños. (Image credit: CRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
In a recent project review conducted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Development (PCAARRD) of the DOST, Dr. Panerio and her team shared that they have completed collecting tomato leaf samples in 15 tomato-growing provinces with previous disease outbreaks.
Using a reference Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence from one of their TYLCV isolates, the team generated LAMP primers essential for developing a TYLCV detection kit for field application.
They also designed LAMP primers compatible with the colorimetric or fluorometric assay for the rapid detection of TYLCV. Using a simple fluorescence-detecting device, this assay produces a yellow-to-green glow when the virus is present in the tomato plant. The developed fluorometric LAMP assay will play an integral role in developing the field-based LAMP detection kit for TYLCV.
Attendees during the Year 3 Project Review and Evaluation of the project, "Development of a LAMP-based Detection Kit for Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)-Philippine strains." (Image credit: DOST-ITDI)
During the review, Technical Evaluator Cris Q. Cortaga from the Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Food Science of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (IPB, CAFS-UPLB) emphasized the importance of optimizing the wet LAMP assay by testing it on various samples, including both healthy and infected plants. He also recommended profiling the Philippine strains before developing field LAMP kits to ensure their accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness across different strains.
The review was attended by representatives from DOST-ITDI and DOST-PCAARRD led by CRD Assistant Director Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang and Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Vegetables Joel Norman R. Panganiban.
The prototype of the TYLCV detection kit was among the technologies recently displayed during the 20th National Biotechnology Week exhibition held at the E.B. Copeland Gymnasium, UPLB.
