27/07/2026
GIGA VI Brings the Global Invertebrate Genomics Community to the Philippines
Scientists, researchers, and students from global universities and research institutions attended Global Invertebrate Genomics Alliance conference (GIGA VI) from July 6 to 10, 2026, at the Savoy Hotel Boracay, Philippines. The event facilitated the exchange of recent advances in invertebrate genomics and promoted collaboration in the study and conservation of marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
GIGA VI featured speakers, session chairs, and presentation authors from 29 campuses representing 27 university systems. Sessions covered Philippine biodiversity, marine holobiont genomics, frontier invertebrate genomics, genome assembly, conservation transcriptomics, population and evolutionary genomics, biodiversity genomics, and molluscan genomics. The inclusion of these scientific themes was important in demonstrating the diversity of current research in invertebrate genomics, and highlighting their importance in addressing questions of evolutionary relationships, species diversity and adaptation to environmental change. In particular, discussions demonstrated how advances in genomic technologies are enabling more comprehensive analysis of organism-microbe interactions and providing insights essential for biodiversity conservation.
GIGA Board members present during the conference included Jean-Franรงois Flot of the Universitรฉ libre de Bruxelles; Gonzalo Giribet of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University; Jose Victor Lopez of Nova Southeastern University; Michael Middlebrooks of the University of Tampa; Carlos Prada of the University of Rhode Island; and Jeffrey Robinson of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Lopez is a co-founder of GIGA, a non-profit alliance that supports bioinformatics training and whole-genome sequencing initiatives for non-model invertebrate species.
Dr. Cecilia Conaco and Dr. Maria Celia Malay (Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman), Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols (Philippine Genome Center Visayas), and Dr. Cynthia Saloma (University of the Philippines Diliman) served as chairs for the scientific sessions. The conference secretariat comprised Andrea Danica Bernas, Nadelene Faith Cartago, Ma. Carmel Javier, Albert Noblezada, and Jasmine Velo (PGC Visayas), as well as Vanessa Joy Diamante, Gabie Maala, Kelly Rome Alvarado, John Bennedick Quijano, and RJ Sobretodo (UP Diliman Marine Science Institute).
GIGA VI also showcased the culture of the Philippines through performances by the Boracay Folkloric Dance Collective and the Ibajay and Jawili Arnis Team of Aklan State University during the welcome dinner and gala night, in addition to the scientific sessions. These cultural activities promoted cross-cultural understanding and gave international attendees a chance to appreciate the heritage and traditions of the Philippines. The event received support from Lifeline Diagnostics Inc., RainPhil Inc., and Medical Test Systems Inc.
GIGA VI facilitated the exchange of scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and research perspectives, strengthening international networks in invertebrate genomics and highlighting the Philippinesโ exceptional biodiversity. The conference created collaborations that are expected to contribute to the genomic research, capacity-building and science-based biodiversity conservation and eco-friendly resource management.
