UPV Seaweed Laboratory

Sharing waves of seaweed wisdom 𖦹°‧🫧°𓍢ִ໋🍃°.

From the laboratory to the spotlight, student researchers from the UPV Seaweed Laboratory proudly showcased their undergraduate theses during the 2026 CFOS Colloquium last May 13, presenting months of curiosity, perseverance, and passion for seaweed science.

Keeping the momentum afloat, the team also took part in the 2026 Olmix Seaweed Thesis Competition last May 15, bringing their research beyond the lab and into conversations that reflect innovation and sustainability.

Each presentation reflected not only scientific excellence, but also the dedication, resilience, and heart of young researchers committed to uncovering the endless potential of seaweeds and their applications.

Here’s to cultivating knowledge, celebrating discovery, and letting the tides of research carry us further.

𝐔𝐏𝐕-𝐂𝐅𝐎𝐒 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 2026 𝐎𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐱 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) has announced the winners of the 2026 Olmix Seaweed Thesis Competition, held on May 15, 2026, at the CFOS Conference Room, Umali Building, Miagao campus.

𝐃𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐤𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬𝐞 clinched the Olmix Best Seaweed Thesis Award for his study, “Formulated Diet for 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘢 (Linnaeus 1758) Donkey’s Ear Abalone with Commercially Available Ulva spp. Meal for Hatchery Operations.” Advised by Prof. Rex Ferdinand Traifalgar, Lanticse’s research explored the use of 𝘜𝘭𝘷𝘢 meal in abalone hatchery diets, an approach aligned with Olmix’s advocacy for algae-based natural solutions in aquaculture.

𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨 secured second place with her thesis, “Growth Response to Nutrient Sources and Post-Harvest Physiological Performance of 𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘢 (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta),” under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann Borlongan. Her work contributes to improving the cultivation and post-harvest handling of 𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘢, a commercially important seaweed in Philippine aquaculture.

Third place was awarded to 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐲𝐨𝐧 for her study, “Assessment of Charru Mussel (Mytella strigata) Shell-Derived Extract and Commercial Chitosan on the Tissue Culture of 𝘒𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 (Rhodophyta),” also advised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann Borlongan. Her research examined alternative biostimulants for seaweed tissue culture, contributing to ongoing efforts to enhance propagation techniques for this commercially important species.

As the top awardee, Lanticse will receive a plaque and Php 30,000 cash prize from Olmix during the CFOS Recognition Program in July.

Now on its third installment, the competition forms part of the UPV–Olmix partnership established in 2024 and renewed annually to promote excellence in seaweed science, cultivation, and applied research.

The 2026 final round featured six undergraduate presenters and evaluated by a technical panel composed of Asst. Prof. Peter A. Palma, Ph.D. (Institute of Aquaculture, UP Visayas), Prof. Johannes M. Magpusao, Ph.D. (School of Technology, UP Visayas), and Dr. Mary Dianne Grace Bahuaud (SEAFDEC/AQD). Their diverse research backgrounds and experience in scientific evaluation provided a strong and balanced review of all presentations.

CFOS extends its gratitude to Olmix Philippines for its continued support of the competition and its commitment to giving back to seaweed science.

From “waste” to resource. This work demonstrates how liquid spent wash (LSW) from carrageenan processing can function as a biostimulant in eucheumatoid tissue culture… an example of circular innovation that strengthens local aquaculture and reduces environmental load.

Proud to share this as one of the outputs of our DOST‑PCAARRD-funded project “Seaweed Waste Biomass from the Carrageenan Industry (SWBC) as Phycobiostimulants.”

Access the paper here: https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2025-0063

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭? 𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭!

A new study shows that liquid spent wash (LSW), a potassium hydroxide (KOH)-based by‑product usually discarded during carrageenan extraction, can boost the growth and regenerative ability of 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘮𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮 and 𝘒𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴 in tissue culture.

Instead of treating LSW as waste, this study shows that it contains nutrients and bioactive compounds that can support early growth when used at the right levels. This approach turns an industry waste stream into a useful biostimulant, opening doors for more sustainable, circular practices in seaweed farming. With global demand for carrageenan rising, innovations like this can help strengthen local aquaculture while reducing environmental impact. A small shift in how we view “waste”—but a big step toward smarter, greener seaweed production.

This study was fully supported by the project 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 (𝘚𝘞𝘉𝘊) 𝘢𝘴 𝘗𝘩𝘺𝘤𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐚, 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨, 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨

March 17, 2026


The Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, has established sea-based seaweed nursery with six (6) HDPE floating baskets in the coastal waters of Barangay Sua. The nursery will be managed by the Sua Seaweed Growers Association and is funded under the CY 2025 program.

The nursery design was adopted from a research study developed by the University of the Philippines Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (UPV CFOS) Seaweed Laboratory UPV Seaweed Laboratory. It promotes the use of HDPE floating baskets for the propagation and maintenance of healthy seaweed planting materials.

This initiative addresses identified gaps in the seaweed industry in Northern Iloilo under the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES), particularly the need for reliable sources of quality seaweed seedlings.

The seaweed nursery is also expected to support the upcoming Seaweed Culture Laboratory to be established at Northern Iloilo State University – Concepcion Campus. Partner local seaweed farmers are expected to benefit from improved seaweed strains, technical assistance, and technology transfer.

Through strengthened collaboration among seaweed stakeholders, the initiative aims to boost sustainable seaweed production and enhance livelihood opportunities for seaweed farming communities in Northern Iloilo. # #

UP Visayas undergrads, ito na ‘yung sign n’yo. If may seaweed thesis ka, i‑flex mo na. Baka ikaw na ang next Olmix Best Student Thesis Awardee.

Indeed, ensuring healthier, more resilient Eucheuma denticulatum starts with better transport methods.
Undergraduate student‑led research shows that seawater‑filled bags with ice insulation keep tissue‑cultured “milyon‑milyon” microplantlets photosynthetically efficient and nursery‑ready. This study was fully supported by projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST‑PCAARRD) and the Seaweed Base for International Science and Technology Cooperation (SBIS&TC), Ocean University of China.
Access the paper here: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JFE/article/view/268293

Seawater-filled plastic bag with ice insulation is the most effective method to ensure photosynthetic efficiency and survival of tissue-cultured 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘮𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮, locally known as "milyon-milyon", microplantlets during transport, undergraduate research reveals.

This would guarantee survivability and consistent quality of 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘮𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮 microplantlets from laboratory to sea-based nursery, offering a more resilient propagation approach elevated through better transport conditions.

Read the article in full via: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JFE/article/view/268293

𝑼𝑷𝑽 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝑰𝑪𝑭𝑨𝑺 2025, 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆

The UPV Seaweed Laboratory joined the 8th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (ICFAS 2025) on 17-18 November 2025 at the Gran Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City, contributing research presentations that reflect the dedication of its students and mentors to advancing seaweed science and allied fields.

Two undergraduate studies received recognition:

➡️ 1st Place Oral Undergraduate Presentation – Photosynthetic Efficiency and Survival of Tissue-Cultured Eucheuma denticulatum Microplantlets under Varying Transport Conditions by 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗼, advised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann Borlongan

➡️ 3rd Place Oral Undergraduate Presentation – Desiccation-Induced Changes in the Photosynthetic Efficiency and Nutrient Uptake of Eucheuma denticulatum (Rhodophyta) by 𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗽𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘀, advised by Dr. Borlongan.

The laboratory also showcased a strong lineup of oral presentations:

➡️Optimizing Tank Design to Enhance the Morphological and Physiological Development of Eucheuma denticulatum in Indoor Culture Systems by 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝘂𝗳𝘂𝗮𝗿, advised by Prof. Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols.

➡️ The Unseen Architects: How Commercial Aquaculture Probiotics Can Reshape Seaweed Microbiome to Promote Growth by 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹, Karl Angelo Tenizo, and Prof. Ferriols

➡️ Evaluating Ammonium Phosphate Concentrations for Enhanced Micropropagule Performance in Eucheuma denticulatum Tissue Culture by Hanniel Frenz Degala, 𝗘𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗱-𝗼𝗻, and Dr. Borlongan

➡️ Performance Assessment of Tray and Line Culture Setups for Sea-Based Nursery of Eucheuma denticulatum by 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘇 𝗗𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮, Eunice Valad-on, and Dr. Borlongan.

➡️ Insights into Selected Macronutrients of 30 Tropical Macroalgae from an Eastern Philippine Coast - 𝗘𝗹𝗷𝗲𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗟. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼, Bienson Ceasar V. Narvarte, Lourie Ann R. Hinaloc, Elluna Jane J. Bigcas, Diana Rose R. Pesimo-Campehios, Jonh Rey L. Gacura, Ronel T. Aguilar, Emmanuel M. Mendoza, Eugene Yolanda I. Maxion, Jonalyn Jame D. Catedrilla, Michael A. Clores, and Michael Y. Roleda

Poster presentations included:
➡️ Growth and Quality Performance of Kappaphycus sp. after Crude Oil Exposure by 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗼, advised by Asst. Prof. Jonalyn Mateo.

➡️ Effects of Seaweed Liquid Extract (SLE) from Ulva spp. on the Growth, Disease Incidence, and Carrageenan Yield of Eucheuma denticulatum in Field Cultivation by 𝗠𝗮. 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻, advised by Dr. Borlongan.

Prof. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols also served as one of the plenary speakers, sharing insights on Omics-Driven Approaches Towards Responsible and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The lab’s participation in ICFAS 2025 reflects its continuing commitment to learning, mentoring, and contributing to sustainable practices in seaweed and marine research. Guided by its mission to promote innovation, capacity-building, and collaboration, the laboratory continues to advance seaweed science and support climate-resilient aquaculture and fisheries.

𝗨𝗣𝗩 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗯, 𝗣𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗢 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗼

Local seaweed farmers and fisheries extension officers in Northern Iloilo gained new insights and skills in seaweed nursery management and tissue culture during a two-day training conducted by the UPV Seaweed Laboratory, in partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government (IPG) through the Provincial Agriculture Office of Iloilo (PAgrO), last October 16-17 at Sealips Restaurant and Inland Resort, Tiabas, San Dionisio, Iloilo.

The capacity-building activity, titled “Seaweed Nursery Management Training and Orientation on Seaweed Tissue Culture Laboratory Operation and Management,” was identified as a key intervention under the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES), which recognizes seaweed as one of the priority commodities of the province.

Attended by over 35 participants, the activity featured lectures and hands-on sessions that introduced the current status of eucheumatoid farming in the province and across the country, alongside recent innovations in seaweed farming. A key highlight was the fabrication of a floating cube cage for sea-based nurseries, a design currently undergoing field trials through research funded by IPG via the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (OPPDC), in collaboration with the UPV Seaweed Laboratory.

“Madamo gid nga salamat kay tungod sa training nga ini, nahatagan kami sang bag-o nga ideya kag skills para mapaayos ang amon pagpatubo kag pagtanom sang seaweeds, kay dako gid nga bahin sang amon pangabuhi ang seaweeds kag tani mapadayon nga mahatagan ini importansiya, labi na nga dako ang parte sang industriya sang seaweeds sa pang-adlaw-adlaw nga pangabuhi,” said a local seaweed farmer in the training.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann G. Borlongan, the principal investigator of the UPV Seaweed Laboratory, served as the resource person. The laboratory staff and PAgrO personnel also facilitated the sessions.

This training marks a significant step in capacitating seaweed farmers in Northern Iloilo, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical competencies in tissue culture techniques and nursery establishment.

This initiative reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening the seaweed industry in Northern Iloilo through science-based, locally responsive interventions.

Written by: Mr. Hanniel Frenz D. Degala, RFP
Photo Credits: UPV Seaweed Laboratory

Congratulations, UPV Seaweed Laboratory Pride!

We proudly celebrate our outstanding achievers who passed the Fisheries Professional Licensure Examination (FPLE) conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on 9–10 October 2025!

FORTELLANO, Jose Leo – Top 2
DUMIGPI, Angelica Flores
ESCANILLAS, Ralph Jasil
LAJO, Denil Kaye
PERIQUIN, Kathleen Joy
PIAMONTE, Erielze Marie
WENDAM, Louie Grace

Most of them are former thesis mentees under the UPV Seaweed Laboratory - once part of our research family, now proud professionals in the field. Ralph Jasil Escanillas continues to serve with us as a valued member of the current Seaweed Lab team.

We also celebrate Assoc. Prof. Dr. Iris Ann G. Borlongan for being recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Young Fisheries Scientist by the ASEAN Fisheries Education Network!

Indeed, the UPV Seaweed Laboratory remains a space where futures are shaped and excellence is nurtured.