CLSU - Algal Diversity and Bioresources - ADB Laboratory

19/08/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐃𝐫. 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐀. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬

The 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 (𝐔𝐏𝐕), recently hosted a special seminar featuring Dr. Garry A. Benico, Professor II from the Department of Biological Sciences, Central Luzon State University (CLSU).

Dr. Benico delivered a talk entitled:

“𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗮𝘅𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗲.”

The lecture highlighted the critical role of taxonomy and systematics in understanding Philippine marine microalgal diversity and how accurate species identification can provide the foundation for molecular diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and early detection of harmful algal blooms (HABs).

The talk was attended by around 200 participants, including students, researchers, faculty members, and representatives from UP Visayas and other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

The strong participation reflects the growing interest in Philippine marine biodiversity, microalgal research, and the application of taxonomy and molecular approaches to address emerging environmental and public health concerns

12/08/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗔𝗕 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗟𝗦𝗨

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) welcomed Dr. Adrian “Adi” P. Gajigan, DOST-PCAARRD Balik Scientist hosted at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) and Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, for a two-day scientific visit as part of the ongoing collaboration between UPMSI and CLSU’s Algal Diversity and Bioresources (ADB) Laboratory.

On the first day, Dr. Gajigan delivered a lecture entitled “Harnessing Low-Cost Flow-Through Imaging System PlanktoScope and Algae-Associated Viruses to Mitigate HABs,” introducing innovative and accessible approaches for studying and addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs).

The second day featured a hands-on demonstration of the PlanktoScope, providing researchers and students with practical experience in using this low-cost flow-through imaging system for plankton observation and analysis.

A major highlight of the visit was Dr. Gajigan’s generous donation of a PlanktoScope to the CLSU ADB Laboratory. The equipment will further enhance the laboratory’s capabilities in plankton imaging, microalgal biodiversity research, HAB monitoring, and student training.

The visit underscores the value of research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technology sharing in advancing aquatic bioscience research in the Philippines.

CLSU and the ADB Laboratory sincerely thank Dr. Adrian “Adi” P. Gajigan for sharing his expertise and supporting the continued development of our research capabilities.

From collaboration to capacity building—advancing HAB science together.

11/08/2026

11/08/2026

#𝗝𝗼𝗯𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 | 𝗨𝗣𝗟𝗕 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴!

The Institute is looking for a 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗜𝗜 under a DOST-PCAARRD-funded project on developing natural solutions for toxin elimination in aquaculture systems.

Interested applicants may submit their application letter, curriculum vitae, and transcript of records or true copy of grades as a single PDF file to [email protected].

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝟭𝟱 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝟭𝟭:𝟱𝟵 𝗣𝗠

Please see image below for the complete qualifications and application details.

10/08/2026

🎉 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐐𝟏 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋

The ADB Lab of Central Luzon State University proudly congratulates 𝐃𝐫. 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐀. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐨 Professor of the Department of Biological Sciences, for his contribution as a co-author to a newly published research article in Harmful Algae, a prestigious Q1 international journal specializing in harmful microalgae and harmful algal blooms.

🔬 “𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐳𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐚 (𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐞, 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐞), 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬”

The study investigates the intricate cellular structures of Azadinium and Amphidoma, microscopic marine dinoflagellates that include both toxin-producing and non-toxin-producing species. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the researchers examined these organisms at the cellular level, providing valuable insights for species identification, taxonomy, and understanding the biology of harmful microalgae.

The publication is also Open Access, allowing the research to be freely accessible to the scientific community worldwide. The substantial Open Access publication cost of ¥𝟓𝟒𝟓,𝟔𝟕𝟎 (𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐔𝐒$𝟑,𝟒𝟓𝟎) was generously supported by the University of Tokyo.

📖 Read the full article:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568988326001484?via%3Dihub

05/08/2026

Shellfish Bulletin No. 19
Series of 2026
5 August 2026

Shellfish collected and tested from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay Province; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar and Coastal waters of Biliran Island are 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit. Moreover, Honda and Puerto Princesa Bays in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, are now positive for red tide toxin.

All types of shellfish and 𝑨𝒄𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒑. or alamang gathered from these areas are 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 for human consumption.

Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

02/08/2026

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊!🌊

The UPV Division of Biological Sciences of the University of the Philippines Visayas warmly invites everyone to a lecture talk on harmful algae, featuring 𝗗𝗿. 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗼, Professor of the Department of Biological Sciences, Central Luzon State University.

Join us on 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, from 𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟯:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 (PHT) online via 𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗺 as Dr. Benico shares his expertise on harmful algae and the role of taxonomists in HABs monitoring.

𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊:
From Species Discovery to Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring: The Role of Taxonomy and Systematics in Philippine Marine Microalgae

𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊:
bit.ly/DBS-HABs-Talk

30/07/2026

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 & 𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍!

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries and Science and Technology (ISUFST) together with the Algal Diversity and Bioresources Laboratory (ADB Lab) at Central Luzon State University (CLSU), brought together experts, LGU representatives, and young aspiring researchers for an exciting hands-on training workshop on 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟕–𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The two-day event, titled "𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧," focused on teaching essential skills to identify local shellfish and phytoplankton, the tiny organisms that keep our water ecosystems healthy. This activity was part of the 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, a joint effort between the ISUFST and DOST-PCAARRD.

Throughout the workshop, participants enjoyed a balance of short talks and active hands-on laboratory work. Dr. Mary Jhane G. Valentino, Chair of the CLSU Department of Biological Sciences, warmly welcomed everyone to start the event. Experts led the learning sessions, with Dr. Mary Mar N. Payne from ISUFST guiding the group through shellfish features, local species identification, and practical ways to collect field data for protection efforts. Meanwhile, Dr. Garry A. Benico, Head of the ADB Lab and CLSU Professor, led the microscope sessions, helping participants explore phytoplankton up close and learn how phytoplankton and shellfish work together in the water.

The workshop showed the great impact of teamwork across government offices and schools. Participants included LGU representatives from CENRO-Muñoz, experts and staff from the CLSU College of Fisheries, BFAR NFTC - Muñoz, BFAR NFDC - Dagupan, and OMLI Pampanga, alongside curious and enthusiastic young aspiring researchers from Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST). By training active field experts and inspiring young aspiring researchers, the CLSU ADB Lab and its partners are helping build a brighter, more sustainable future for our water resources.

30/07/2026

Congratulations to our interns from 𝙎𝙩. 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙮'𝙨 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 (𝙎𝙈𝙐) for successfully completing their 160 hour 𝙊𝙣-𝙩𝙝𝙚-𝙅𝙤𝙗 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 at the 𝘼𝙡𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨 (𝘼𝘿𝘽) 𝙇𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 from June 29, 2026 to July 24, 2026.

Throughout their internship, they gained hands-on experience in microalgal field sampling, environmental sample processing, microalgal isolation and subculturing, culture media preparation, microscopy and photomicrography, morphological characterization, DNA extraction, PCR, metabarcoding workflows, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Through these activities, they developed practical skills in microalgal taxonomy and identification, molecular biology techniques, laboratory safety and management, and scientific research.
Their active participation in the laboratory's ongoing projects and daily operations reflects their dedication, curiosity, and commitment to learning. We are proud of the growth they have demonstrated throughout their training and are confident that the knowledge and experience they have gained will serve as a strong foundation for their future careers in biology and the life sciences.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒋 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒍𝒊! 𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄, 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒔. 𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 ~