JRMSU - Center for Marine Research and Sustainable Ecosystem

02/06/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧–𝗣𝗖𝗔𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪, 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗝𝗥𝗠𝗦𝗨 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD), through its Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD), conducted a Project Review, Monitoring, and Evaluation (M&E) activity for ongoing PCAARRD Grants-in-Aid (GIA)-funded research initiatives of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) from May 27–29, 2026.

Hosted by University President and Project Leader Dr. Maria Rio Abdon-Naguit, the review covered the projects (1) Assessing the Feasibility of a Sustainable Sardine Hatchery and (2) Managing Sardine Swarms: A Policy for Sustainable Sardine Fisheries in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

DOST–PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, together with MRRD Director Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, highlighted the significance of science-based research and innovation in advancing sustainable fisheries management, strengthening marine research capabilities, and supporting coastal development initiatives. Also present were Assistant Director and Supervising Science Research Specialist Ms. Ma. Adela C. Corpuz and members of the DOST–PCAARRD MRRD technical team.

As part of the monitoring activities, the team conducted field visits to the Dipolog School of Fisheries (DSF) Hatchery Facility and the Inglass Sardines of Dipolog City Association (ISDA) to assess project implementation, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and gather insights relevant to sustainable fisheries and community-based coastal resource management. Technical assessments of laboratory facilities, equipment, and research infrastructure under the CEMARSEC upgrading project were likewise undertaken.

The activity reaffirmed the shared commitment of DOST–PCAARRD and JRMSU to promoting research excellence, fostering innovation, and advancing science-based solutions for sustainable fisheries, resilient coastal communities, and marine ecosystem stewardship in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

04/03/2026

📍 Assessment on the Implementation of the Sardines Closed Fishing Season
🗓 March 4, 2026
📌 Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center, Dipolog City

The Center for Marine Research and Sustainable Ecosystem (CEMARSEC) of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) proudly participated in the Assessment on the Implementation of the Sardines Closed Fishing Season organized by the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Our team, spearheaded by University President Dr. Maria Rio-Abdon Naguit, and led by CEMARSEC Director Dr. Junnasir M. Sakilan, together with our dedicated Research Assistants, presented key research highlights from our recently concluded project:

“Spatial Patterns in the Fisheries for Sardines, Their Fry, and Associated Small Pelagic Fishes off the Zamboanga Peninsula”

The presentation emphasized science-based findings on spatial distribution, fishing pressure on juveniles and fry, and implications for sustainable fisheries management—contributing evidence-based insights to policy discussions and program enhancement for the sardine closed season.

CEMARSEC remains committed to supporting data-driven decision-making and strengthening collaborative efforts toward sustainable fisheries and marine resource conservation in Zamboanga del Norte.

05/02/2026

𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 | 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝙎𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙪 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡

The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) successfully facilitated the transfer and transport of live 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘶 stocks from the Legislated Multi-Species Marine Hatchery Facility in Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte, operated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Regional Office IX (BFAR-RO IX), to the Dipolog School of Fisheries (DSF) Hatchery Facility. The activity was conducted on 04 February 2026 and was carried out by the NFRDI project team led by Assistant Project Leader Dr. Minerva Fatimae H. Ventolero.

The activity was conducted in support of ongoing efforts on the culture, maintenance, and research utilization of 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘶, and forms part of the research project entitled “Assessing the Feasibility of a Sustainable Sardine Hatchery,” funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD) and led by Dr. Mario Rio Abdon Naguit of Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) – Main Campus. The project aims to evaluate the technical feasibility of maintaining and developing sardine stocks under controlled hatchery conditions.

During the activity, Dr. Ventolero delivered a presentation on the Institute’s research initiatives related to 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘶. This was followed by a technical discussion facilitated by NFRDI Project Staff Ms. Janet L. Baral, who presented the standard protocols for the capture, transport, stocking, and maintenance of 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘶, based on established NFRDI hatchery and transport procedures.

The coordination and facilitation of the transfer activity, including assistance during the transport and stocking of live 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘶 stocks, were led by Dr. Junnasir M. Sakilan, Project Staff and CEMARSEC Director, together with other project staff and research assistants.

This activity forms part of continued institutional efforts to generate scientific information supporting the development of sustainable sardine hatchery practices in the Philippines.

05/02/2026

14/01/2026

🌱 Year Opener Courtesy Visit at DENR–PENRO ZDN 🌱

JRMSU formally opened the year with a courtesy visit to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – PENRO Zamboanga del Norte, hosted by Cidur S. Julsadjiri, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula).

The visit, joined by Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit, Atty. Karen Ongsuco, and Dr. Mahal B. Rosel, reaffirmed collaboration under DENR Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Sustainability through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement)—strengthening academe–government partnership for climate resilience and environmental governance in Zamboanga del Norte.

♻️ SDG 13: Climate Action
🌊 SDG 14: Life Below Water
🌳 SDG 15: Life on Land

05/12/2025

𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬
𝗨𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲

The Jose Rizal Memorial State University hereby advises the public to exercise utmost vigilance regarding reports of individuals or entities making calls or initiating transactions while falsely using the name of University President, Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit. The University emphasizes that no such communications should be recognized or acted upon without prior verification through official and authorized university channels.

The public is strongly urged to remain cautious and to immediately report any suspicious calls, messages, or activities to the appropriate authorities.

05/12/2025

Happy 2nd Anniversary as University President, Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit !💙

28/11/2025

A productive meeting was held under CEMARSEC - Center for Marine Research and Sustainable Ecosystems to strengthen ongoing initiatives and ensure the steady progress of current projects - Assessing the Feasibility of a Sustainable Sardine Hatchery and Managing Sardine Swarms: A Policy for Sustainable Sardine Fisheries in the Zamboanga Peninsula, both of which are funded by the DOST-PCAARRD. The group discussed important updates, clarified responsibilities, and aligned tasks for the next phase of implementation.

The meeting was led by the Project Leader and University President, Dr. Maria Rio Abdon Naguit, who emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts and shared direction. Also present was Dr. Junnasir M. Sakilan, CEMARSEC Director, who contributed valuable insights that helped guide the discussion, along with Dr. Mahal B. Rosel, Project Staff of Managing Sardine Swarms.

Beyond the technical discussions, the meeting also highlighted the value of teamwork and open communication. Members were able to share insights, raise concerns, and suggest improvements that could enhance project efficiency and coordination. It was more than just a meeting—it was a collective effort to uphold CEMARSEC’s mission and sustain the momentum of its activities.

23/10/2025

Your unwavering dedication and passion for excellence continue to inspire everyone. You are not just a leader, but a visionary who leads with purpose, humility, and a genuine heart for service. Your commitment to research, your drive for innovation, and your care for your team embody what true leadership means.

May this special day remind you how deeply appreciated and respected you are — not only for your remarkable work but also for the kindness and integrity you show every day. We are beyond grateful for your guidance and for the inspiration you bring to every project and every person you work with.

Wishing you more success, good health, and fulfillment as you continue to lead with passion and purpose.

Happy birthday, Dr. Junnasir M. Sakilan , Director of CEMARSEC — a true leader with a heart that inspires! 💙

photo: ctto