The Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) spearheaded the Commodity Research Review on Fisheries and Coastal Ecosystem on October 3, 2025, aimed at addressing critical issues in coastal ecosystems.
Organized in partnership with Pangasinan State University and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Region 1 (BFAR-1), the event that was held at the PSU Conventional Hall in Lingayen town, served as a venue for researchers, experts and policymakers to present studies, share findings and identify research priorities supporting regional and national development goals.
Dr. Razeale G. Resultay, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation of PSU, represented by Dr. Jeff G. Pereyras, welcomed the participants and said the activity also emphasized collaboration in addressing critical issues such as declining fish stocks, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, ILAARRDEC Consortium Director, presented the rationale and guidelines of the review, while RD Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan, outgoing Regional Director of BFAR-1, delivered an encouraging message promoting stronger institutional partnerships.
PSU’s Research Director Dr. Rhowel M. Dellosa, introduced the participants that included presenters from PSU Binmaley Campus, DMMMDU, MMSUa nd BFAR-1.
The research presentation were evaluated by a distinguished panel composed of Ms. Michelle A. De Vera and Dr. Kristine Joy L. Tandang (DOST–PCAARRD), Dr. Emma L. Ballad (BFAR–Region 2), Ms. Jennifer C. Fernandez (DOST–Region 1), and Prof. Victoria N. Malaya (DMMMSU).
Three studies were selected for oral presentation and four for poster presentation in the ILAARRDEC Research and Development Highlights. The event concluded with a heartfelt closing message from Ms. Antonieta Evangelista signifying the successful completion of the review.
ILAARDEC is a conglomerate of research and development institutions or associates in the fields of Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) in the Ilocos region established on December 21, 1979. It is backed-up by 18 solid and supportive member-institutions, 15 of which are R&D implementing institutions, the rest (3) are non-R&D institutions.
