The participants in the Applications of Molecular Biology Techniques in Studying Marine Biodiversity Training. Photo by Verzon Jay Calipayan, DNSC PIO.  

PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) ABRAHAM FishDive project, organized a Training on Applications of Molecular Biology Techniques for Studying Marine Biodiversity and Curation of Marine Specimens. The training was held from August 8-10, 2024, at the Audio-Visual Room (AVR) and Ichthyology laboratory.

The resource speakers were Mr. Kevin Labrador, a doctorate student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, for the lecture series, and Ms. Maybellene Fortaleza for the laboratory work on tissue extraction and curation of fish specimens, assisted by the DNSC Museum Project Team and UPMin ABRAHAM.

Mr. Kevin Labrador (second from left) receives a certificate of appreciation from DNSC officials. Photo by Verzon Jay Calipayan, DNSC PIO.  

The training enhanced the skills of participants, including faculty members and students from the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (BSFAS), Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BSMB), and Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Sciences, in DNA barcoding, tissue extraction from fish samples, and preservation of fish samples stored in the DNSC Marine Biodiversity Museum.

Participants of the Applications of Molecular Biology Techniques Training at a science laboratory in DNSC. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs.

College President, Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, Project Leader and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, Director for Research Division, Dr. Mark Ronald S. Manseguiao, Institute of Aquatic and Applied Sciences Dean, Dr. Rosie Lynn P. Tejada, Institute of Advanced Studies Dean, Dr. Nickel Jean S. Lagare-Sastine, and other officials attended the opening program.

The master of ceremonies during the program was Mr. Ashwin B. Opelinia, NAFES project staff and training coordinator. This activity was part of a project funded and supported by the Commission on Higher Education – NAFES. The ABRAHAM Fish Dive Project, DNSC’s collaborator for this activity, is supported by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) GIA funds.

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