PANABO CITY – The RIPPLE Ocean Tech Innovation Conference echoed the call for sustainable innovation and ocean stewardship, inviting government agencies, academic institutions, technology groups, fisherfolk associations, researchers, and students on August 1, 2025.
The conference was hosted at the Molave Hotel, Tagum City, by the Blue Economy Underpinning Global Sustainability through Adaptive Innovations – Technology Business Incubator (BUGSAI-TBI), a technology business incubator hosted by Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) and funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
“The ocean is not just a resource, it is our lifeline. Yet, for too long, its challenges have outpaced our solutions. But here, we change that narrative. We unite the academics, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to create more than dialogue, but spark actionable innovation,” said DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa in her opening message.
The conference featured specialized presentations or “deep dives” on critical areas of the blue economy. These included fisheries by Elisa E. Pil from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region XI, aquaculture by Mirraluna A. Laquinta from the same agency, shipping and maritime trade by Professor Ernesto J. Soriano, climate and disaster resilience by Dr. Boyeth Pelone of DNSC, marine protection and conservation by Forester Recson Engalgado from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office – Panabo, and renewable ocean energy by Ian Jan Dalisay from the Mindanao Development Authority. In addition, various scholars delivered research presentations that further enriched the interdisciplinary discussion on ocean sustainability and innovation.
Dr. Jesebel R. Besas, project leader of the DNSC-BUGSAI team, presented the rationale of the conference by connecting it to national policy and global development frameworks, “The Blue Economy has long been part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is SDG 14 or Life Below Water. Recently, the rally for its development became more aggressive, such as the passing of Senate Bill No. 2450 or the Blue Economy Act,” she explained.
For students like Jan Laurence T. Guieb, a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering student from the University of Southeastern Philippines, the conference offered valuable insights, “I learned the very importance of the blue economy and how much impact it has not only on the economy of our country but also on our environment.”
Closing the event, Dr. Mark Ronald S. Manseguiao, DNSC Director for Research and Development, left participants with a message, “Inspired by the mysteries and resources of the sea, innovation takes many forms. It is not merely about creation, it is about transformation, about turning challenges into opportunities, and about embedding progress into the very fabric of our Earth.”
More Photos:
