iCUES Mussel Project

𝐢𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐢𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐒-𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐂𝐅𝐀𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Ms. Gianelle F. Grana, Project Staff of the iCUES-Mussel Project, attended and presented the ongoing project's initial output at the 8th International Conference for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (ICFAS) held on November 17–19, 2025 at the Grand Xing Hotel, Iloilo City.

The conference was hosted by the University of the Philippines Visayas and brought together experts and researchers in fisheries and aquatic sciences from across the country.

This event provides valuable exposure for the project staff, allowing the research team to share its early findings, gather expert insights, and strengthen collaboration with institutions working on coastal resource management and sustainable aquaculture. The activity also supports the project’s goal of contributing science-based information to improve green mussel production and management.

JUST IN: The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division led by Dr. Adelaida T. Calpe, successfully completed another leg of the Annual Program Review of Inland Aquatic R&D Projects, this time at Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSU-Naawan). ✨

Chancellor Elnor C. Roa warmly welcomed the participants, emphasizing the strengthened commitment of implementing agencies in advancing R&D initiatives for the aquatic sector.

Project leaders of the Mussel and Mangrove Crab Industry Strategic S&T Programs (ISPs) also presented their respective accomplishments and milestones. 👀

Guided by the Technical Review and Evaluation Panel (TREP), composed of Dr. Francisco Elegado (UPLB-Biotech), Dr. Rafael Guerrero III (Aquatic Biosystems), and Dr. Christopher Marlowe Caipang (UP Visayas), the activity served as an avenue for significant discussions and knowledge sharing among the project teams.

The review will run until October 10, 2025.

Green mussel (Perna viridis) is one of the emerging aquatic commodities that is poised to contribute to the economic output of the fisheries sector in the country. Aside from using mussel as food, a project has recently used food grade mussel glycogen extracts in the development of cosmetic products.

Read the full article here: https://agriculture.com.ph/2022/06/05/three-philippine-mussels-used-in-the-development-of-cosmetic-products/

𝐢𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫

As part of the continuing efforts to strengthen institutional partnerships under the iCUES-Mussel Project, the project conducted a series of courtesy calls and partnership discussions in Samar on July 16-18, 2025.

Present on behalf of the iCUES-Mussel Project, Ms. Princess Everelle D. Banaag, RFP, Project Technical Assistant I, provided an overview of the project’s objectives and ongoing activities, in lieu of Asst. Prof. Adrian G. Baldevieso, MSc, Project Leader. The activity also marked the field deployment of Mr. Alvin T. Bolo, Project Technical Aide VI, to support the project’s implementation in Samar.

The team visited 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 – 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬, received by Assoc. Prof. Jerson C. Sorio, MSc, Acting Campus Director. Also present were Mr. Krisanto L. Bacnutan and Mr. Jackey Boy C. Basal, both serving as Instructor I. Discussions centered on collaborative opportunities in research and support for the local mussel industry.

The group also conducted a courtesy visit to the 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 – 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫, engaging with Mr. Marlon C. Sale, Aquacultural Technologist and OIC - PFO Samar. The meeting focused on aligning the project's initiatives with PFO Samar's ongoing programs on sustainable aquaculture, exploring areas for technical collaboration, data sharing, and site-level support.

Lastly, the team visited the 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫, and met with Hon. Julie U. Cereno, M.D., Municipal Mayor, through the Municipal Agriculture Office led by Ma'am Susan Llano Pena. The project was introduced, and discussions explored possible areas for community-level collaboration and support.

These engagements reflect the iCUES-Mussel Project’s commitment to inclusive, science-based, and multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable mussel aquaculture development in the region.

𝐢𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | On April 7–8, 2025, the team of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded project entitled “An Investigation of Biological and Exogenous Cues Towards the Upgrading of Harvest Efficiency and Spatfall Prediction of Green Mussel, Perna viridis (iCUES-Mussel),” implemented by Mindanao State University at Naawan, conducted a courtesy visit and collaboration meeting at Aklan State University – New Washington Campus (ASU-NW).

The team was received by Mr. Modesto Melden B. Intoy, MSc, Head, Fisheries and Marine Sciences Department, along with Ms. Mary Sharolen Jean B. Leyson, MSc and Mr. Ryan M. Basina. A meeting was also held with Dr. Jeffrey A. Clarin, SUC President III and Ms. Thesa S. Rowan Mendoza, MSc, Chairperson, Research and Development Services - ASU New Washington Campus, to explore possible collaborations. The team then visited the Municipal Agriculture Office for a courtesy call with Mr. Marlon Rufin Magbiro, Municipal Agriculturist, and conducted a site visit to New Washington Bay on April 8, 2025.

Present during the visit were Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, MSc, Project Leader; Ms. Ma. Shirley M. Golez, Project Staff/Collaborator from UPV; Prof. Rey J. Dela Calzada, Project Staff/Collaborator from CapSU-Pontevedra; Mr. Alvin T. Bolo and Ms. Gianelle F. Grana, Project Technical Aide VI.

CHECK THIS OUT:

Mussel Research for Sustainable Aquaculture! 🦪📢

The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division, led by Dr. Adelaida T. Calpe, conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation of an ongoing mussel project in Tagabuli Bay, Davao del Sur. This two-year initiative, “Development of Natural Hatcheries for Green Mussel (Perna viridis): A Model for Sustainable Production of Green Mussel”, aims to enhance natural seedbeds and hatcheries to support sustainable green mussel production in the area. The project is headed by Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao of Mindanao State University-Naawan (MSU-Naawan).

Other MSU-Naawan researchers, including Dr. Fiona Pedroso and Mr. Adzel Adrian Baldevieso, also presented their project updates and future directions. Their studies focus on improving harvest efficiency, spatfall prediction, and enhancing green mussel populations which are all contributing to the expansion of the mussel industry in Mindanao.

These projects play a crucial role in boosting mussel culture production in the Philippines, supporting local livelihoods, and promoting sustainable aquaculture. 🌱🐚

𝐢𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The first day of 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 began with an immersive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. After an insightful lecture by Assoc. Prof. Kaent Immanuel N. Uba, MSc on the significance of phytoplankton and water quality, participants engaged in hands-on activities, including water sampling, plankton counting, and species identification. These activities not only reinforced the concepts discussed in the lecture but also provided valuable field experience in applying scientific methods to real-world aquaculture scenarios.

𝐢𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐛: 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

𝐍𝐚𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧, 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 – The 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, organized under the DOST PCAARRD-funded project “𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥, 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐬 (𝐢𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐒-𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥),” commenced on January 21, 2025, at the Mindanao State University at Naawan, IFRD Conference Room.

The morning session included the opening remarks delivered by Ms. Sherley Ann Inocente, representing the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement (OVCRIGE), followed by the program’s rationale presented by Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, MSc, iCUES-Mussel Project Leader.

The first lecture was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Kaent Immanuel N. Uba, MSc., entitled, “𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧.” This lecture provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the critical role that phytoplankton and water quality play in aquaculture systems, particularly in green mussel production. It emphasized the importance of accurate sampling and analysis methods to monitor environmental conditions, ensure optimal growth, and maintain sustainable aquaculture practices.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities, such as water sampling, plankton counting, and species identification, ensuring the practical application of training concepts. Attendees included project staff; collaborators from University of the Philippines & Capiz State University- Pontevedra; student collaborators; and members from the iCUES-Mussel, MSUN Perna PRO, and E-GeMSS projects.

Moreover, this initiative fulfills a key deliverable of the iCUES-Mussel Project by providing training on data collection and analysis to its constituents.

𝐢𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐢𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐒-𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐔𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

On December 27, 2024, the iCUES-Mussel Project held a virtual year-end meeting to review the year’s accomplishments, assess budget utilization, and plan future activities.

The meeting was led by Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, MSc, Project Leader, and Ms. Princess Everelle D. Banaag, Project Technical Assistant I. It was attended by key project members and collaborators, including Dr. Fernand F. Fagutao, Assoc. Prof. Kaent Immanuel N. Uba, MSc, Mr. Emmanuel S. Delloro Jr., MSc, Ms. Noeme F. Baldevieso, Dr. Rey dela Calzada from Capiz State University-Pontevedra, and Ms. Ma. Shirley M. Golez from the University of the Philippines-Visayas. Project Technical Aide VI staffs, Ms. Gianelle F. Grana and Mr. Alvin T. Bolo, were also present.

The virtual meeting provided a platform for the team to discuss the project’s accomplishments for 2024, including milestones achieved in research, collaborations, and field activities. Budget utilization and procurement updates were presented, along with a detailed review of budget allocation versus actual expenses.

As the year concludes, the iCUES-Mussel Project reaffirms its mission to improve the livelihood of mussel farmers.

𝐢𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝟏 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐢𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐒-𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝

On November 18 to 23, 2024, Asst. Prof. Adzel Adrian G. Baldevieso, MSc, Project Leader of the iCUES-Mussel Project, traveled to Panay Island to conduct entry protocols and reconnaissance visits with key project collaborators from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Capiz State University (CapSU) - Pontevedra, and the Local Government Unit of Sapian.

The visit began with a collaboration meeting at UPV on November 19-20, where Asst. Prof. Baldevieso engaged with Ms. Ma. Shirley M. Golez, University Research Associate II from the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology.

On November 21-22, Asst. Prof. Baldevieso visited CapSU-Pontevedra Campus for another collaboration meeting with Dr. Rey dela Calzada, Director of the Fisheries and Aqua-Marine Research Development Center (FARDC). The visit also served as a formal introduction to Ms. Gianelle F. Grana, Project Technical Aide VI for iCUES-Mussel, stationed at CapSU-Pontevedra. The visit concluded with a courtesy call to LGU-Sapian through Ms. Deodith Grace H. Baticbatic, MPM, Municipal Agriculturist.

These engagements highlight the iCUES-Mussel Project’s dedication to building strong institutional and community partnerships. The reconnaissance visit not only established crucial collaborative links but also laid the groundwork for coordinated efforts to advance sustainable aquaculture, as well as improve harvest efficiency and spatfall prediction of green mussel.

𝐢𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝟏 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐢𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄-𝐆𝐞𝐌𝐒𝐒 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝

On October 28-29, 2024, the iCUES Mussel Project, represented by Ms. Princess Everelle D. Banaag, Project Technical Assistant I, together with the E-GeMSS Project team led by Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso and team members Mr. Fernie A. Catienza and Mx. Jhon Wary E. Repamonte, conducted an entry protocol in Camiguin Island, a key site for ongoing initiatives.

As part of the protocol, courtesy calls were made to key stakeholders, including Mr. Vianney Anthony A. Gapuz, OIC of PFO-Camiguin, through Mr. Mark Alphonse A. Buniel of the Benoni Experimental Station; Hon. Lawrence K. Tan, Municipal Mayor of Mahinog; and Ms. Aida G. Chan, Provincial Agriculture Officer.

Additionally, the team was accompanied by four MS Aquaculture students: Ms. Aprillyn B. Quijano, Mr. Joemari B. Aure, Mr. Jelmar P. Vasquez, and Mr. Bopp Benjack Dallon Dacup.

This collaboration is anticipated to strengthen efforts in sustainable green mussel resource management and contribute to the development of innovative practices for aquaculture and coastal resource sustainability, benefiting both the local community and the broader scientific community.