University of the Philippines Visayas Brackishwater Aquaculture Center

21/08/2026

07/08/2026

𝓤𝓟𝓥-𝓑𝓐𝓒 𝓡 & 𝓡 2026 insert Sir Fredson Hans Huervana

31/07/2026

09/07/2026

𝐎𝐧-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲

BS Fisheries students from Capiz State University–Pontevedra Campus successfully completed their 176-hour On-the-Job Training on July 8, 2026, at the UPV Brackishwater Aquaculture Center.

During the closing program, the students presented the knowledge and skills they acquired through lectures and hands-on training in pond, hatchery, and laboratory operations. They also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Center for providing valuable learning experiences that will help prepare them for their future careers in fisheries.

Congratulations to our CAPSU interns! May your training at UPV-BAC serve as a strong foundation for a purposeful career and inspire you to become dedicated fisheries professionals.

02/07/2026

18/06/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐏𝐕-𝐁𝐀𝐂, 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The House of Representatives Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, led by its Chairperson, Hon. Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata, together with officials from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), representatives from BFAR Region VI, and members of the delegation, conducted a field visit and educational tour at the UPV Brackishwater Aquaculture Center (UPV-BAC) on June 17, 2026. Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana, Station Head of UPV-BAC, welcomed the delegation and presented an overview of the Center, highlighting its history, mandates, programs, accomplishments, and future directions. The visitors were also given a tour of the Center's research and training facilities, many of which have been established and enhanced through the support of DOST-PCAARRD and other partner institutions.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase UPV-BAC's ongoing research, development, and extension initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture, further strengthening collaboration among government agencies, legislators, and academic institutions in advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in the Philippines.

Fruitful discussions were held on measures concerning fish hatcheries and related technologies, particularly in the areas of fisheries and aquaculture research, development, innovation, and technology transfer. The delegation also paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Leganes, Iloilo.

A significant highlight of the visit was the Committee's expressed interest in supporting a House Bill for the modernization and rehabilitation of UPV-BAC. This development marks a promising step toward enhancing the Center's capacity to serve as a leading hub for aquaculture research, training, technology innovation, and extension services.

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of government, legislative, and academic institutions to strengthen the country's fisheries and aquaculture sector through science-based innovations, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships. Through continued support and cooperation, UPV-BAC is poised to further expand its contributions to fisheries research, capacity building, technology transfer, and sustainable food production.

UPV-BAC extends its sincere appreciation to Hon. Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata, the members of the Committee, DOST-PCAARRD officials, BFAR Region VI representatives, and the entire delegation for their time, support, and commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. The Center looks forward to future collaborations in bringing out the best of UPV-BAC for the benefit of the industry, the academe, and the communities it serves.

Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
PartnershipsForTheGoals
IndustryInnovationAndInfrastructure
QualityEducation
ZeroHunger
NoPoverty
DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth
ResponsibleConsumptionAndProduction
LifeBelowWater

13/06/2026

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟏𝟓𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐏 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔

The 47th Regular Session of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan reminded us that legislative work extends far beyond motions and voting. Through healthy debate and thoughtful deliberation, we examined measures that could directly affect the lives of Ilonggos across the province.

During this week's session, we acted on five urgent measures endorsed by the Executive while deliberating on three key ordinances concerning property rights, environmental responsibility, and livelihood opportunities.

Among the urgent measures approved were requests for authority to pursue the expansion of the Provincial Government Center in Sta. Barbara, support the establishment of milkfish nurseries and a seaweed culture laboratory in partnership with our academic institutions and national agencies, provide a salary loan facility for employees of the San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital, and implement the PAG-ABOT Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for individuals experiencing homelessness.

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁-𝗼𝗳-𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗸

On second reading, we deliberated on Proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-03-15 authored and sponsored by BM Rolando B. Distura, which seeks to create the Provincial Just Compensation and Right-of-Way Legal Desk.

If enacted, may dalangpan na ang aton mga kasimanwa nga may mga pangabay ukon reklamo nga may kaangtanan sa road right-of-way kag just compensation para sa mga proyekto sang gobyerno, bangud may mekanismo na ang Probinsiya nga magapatigayon kag magabulig sa pagproseso sang ila mga claims sa mas organisado kag patas nga pamaagi.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵

We also tackled Proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-04-16 authored and sponsored by LnB President Amalia Victoria F. Debuque. Notably, this is the first ordinance principally authored by our Liga ng mga Barangay President. First time niya man mag-debate sa floor.

The proposed measure seeks to institutionalize the observance of November as Provincial Environmental Awareness Month and the third week of November as Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week in the Province of Iloilo. Beyond observance activities, it aims to strengthen environmental education, encourage community participation, and foster greater awareness of the role each of us plays in protecting our environment and addressing climate change.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱

On the third and final reading, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-352 authored by BM Rolito C. Cajilig, institutionalizing and strengthening the Provincial Livelihood Project Fund (PLPF).

The ordinance establishes a stronger administrative and financial framework to support cooperatives and associations throughout the province. Through our deliberations, the interest rate for loans under the program was reduced to 4%, making financial assistance more accessible to accredited civil society organizations seeking to expand their livelihood initiatives.

Para sa aton mga accredited CSOs kag people's organizations, ini nagakahulugan sang mas abot-kaya nga pagpahulam sang kapital sang kapitolyo para mapalapad ang ila mga proyekto, mapalig-on ang ila mga organisasyon, kag makahatag sang mas madamo nga oportunidad sa ila mga komunidad.

As Presiding Officer, I remain grateful for the meaningful exchange of ideas and the commitment demonstrated by the members of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Debate is an essential part of democracy. Through respectful deliberation and informed decision-making, we ensure that every measure passed reflects not only sound policy but also the needs and aspirations of the Ilonggo people.

Padayon kita sa pagbinuligay para sa kauswagan sang aton probinsiya!

09/06/2026

𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬

On June 5, 2026, the Brackishwater Aquaculture Center (BAC), led by Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols, IA Director, and Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana, BAC Station Head, warmly welcomed Mr. Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor of the British Embassy Manila. Joining the meeting were Ms. Ellen Anthony, Second Secretary for Climate and Science, and Ms. Des Andal-Cabrera, Climate Change Attaché.

The British Embassy Manila supports projects focusing on climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. During the meeting, updates on ongoing projects supported by the UK Government were presented. These included the Province of Iloilo Katunggan Ecological and Economic Park (ProKEEP): From Abandoned, Unutilized, and Unproductive Fishponds to a Coastal Green Belt and Center for Mangroves and Marine Biodiversity Conservation of the Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO); Darwin Initiative Innovation: Mass and Precise Mangrove Restoration Using Aerial Drone Systems (ManRADS); and Recovery of Mangrove Ecosystems for Viable, Inclusive and Vital Enterprises (REVIVE).

The ManRADS Project is a collaborative initiative of the Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, and the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of the Philippines Visayas. Meanwhile, REVIVE is a partnership project between the Institute of Aquaculture and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

These projects aim not only to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems but also to promote a balance between mangrove conservation and sustainable aquaculture. They likewise highlight the importance of international collaboration in advancing research, strengthening climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
Partnerships For The Goals
Zero Hunger
Industry Innovation And Infrastructure
Responsible Consumption And Production
Climate Action