Project sampling in Bataan. (Image credit: UST project team)
To control and neutralize White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), existing methodologies for local applications, particularly using RNA interference (RNAi), are being explored through a research and development project.
Shrimp production has been one of the major contributors to the country’s aquaculture sector’s economic growth and food security. The White Spot Disease (WSD), caused by WSSV, is a viral contagious disease that causes high mortality in shrimp and leads to major financial losses in the aquaculture industry.
To alleviate the economic effects of WSSV in giant tiger prawn, the project, “Targeting essential genes utilizing RNA interference to mitigate WSSV in tiger shrimp,” is being implemented by the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the project aims to gain a deeper understanding of host-virus interactions, targeting genes that may play a role in the infectivity or pathogenicity of WSSV.
The project uses RNAi, a proven genetic technique that works by “silencing” specific genes effectively. Gene silencing is a modification process wherein it inactivates previously active individual genes. In this project, researchers are using it to silence key genes in the virus that allow it to spread and cause illness in giant tiger prawn. This is done by introducing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that targets those viral genes, preventing them from functioning.
This RNAi-based technology will be developed to prevent the expression of target genes in the WSSV genome to prevent the ability of the virus to multiply and cause disease in giant tiger prawn.
[Left] Project field meeting. [Right] P. monodon acquisition from various sources. (Image credit: UST project team)
An important part of the project is developing an “in vivo” method to produce these dsRNA molecules directly within living organisms, a step that could significantly boost the Philippines' capacity for biotechnology solutions.
In its first year, the project has already identified three viral genes that show promise as therapeutic targets for laboratory testing.
Throughout its implementation, the project seeks to mark a major step forward in protecting the livelihood of shrimp farmers and securing the future of the country’s shrimp aquaculture industry.
A major research initiative is set to address the growing threat of toxic algae in Laguna Lake, the Philippines’ largest freshwater lake.
Triggered by pollution, overfishing, aquaculture practices, and climate change, the lake has increasingly experienced harmful algal blooms (HABs), also known as cyanoHABs. These blooms produce cyanotoxins, which are dangerous chemical compounds that accumulate in the water and in fish. Serious risks can be faced by humans who consume contaminated fish, including damage to the liver, cells, and even DNA.
Sampling sites at the Laguna de Bay. (Image credit: DOST-PNRI project team)
The project, “Supporting Cyanotoxin Risk Assessment through Nuclear and Isotopic Techniques for Food Safety and Water Quality Management of Freshwater Lake Systems,” aims to enhance the country’s capabilities in detecting, measuring, and managing cyanoHABS. Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the project promotes the use of nuclear and isotopic technologies to effectively monitor and assess health risks of these dangerous toxins.
Currently, Laguna Lake is a crucial source of freshwater and supports a thriving fisheries industry. However, without a proper monitoring system or strict safety regulations, the public remains at risk of ingesting contaminated fish and water.
The project seeks to fill this gap by introducing advanced analytical methods, using aptamers, and creating tools to assess risks based on algae levels, toxin concentration, and water quality. Aptamers are target-binding nucleic acid molecules beneficial in cyanotoxin detection.
In its first two years, the initiative has made significant accomplishments. Researchers have developed a risk analysis matrix combining data on toxin levels, algal species, and water quality parameters. They have also designed aptamer-based test kits that may allow faster and more accurate detection of cyanotoxins in real time. This technology is still in the development stage.
Ultimately, the project aims to create science-based policies and real-time monitoring systems to better manage cyanobacterial blooms, protect public health, and protect the lake's ecosystem. Through public education and advanced research, the project hopes to boost awareness about the dangers of cyanotoxins while supporting the long-term sustainability of Laguna Lake.
Dr. Karl Marx A. Quiazon, program leader, discussing the general overview of the program. (Image credit: IARRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
A research and development program for freshwater tilapia aquaculture, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) is underway to boost the Philippine tilapia industry.
Grow-out operators’ access to quality fingerlings and broodstock are among the tilapia industry’s weaknesses, which was determined during the Multi-Stakeholders Consultation for the Tilapia and Aquafeeds Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs (ISPs) held earlier this year. Moreover, this challenge was also cited as a weakness in the Tilapia Industry Roadmap for 2022-2025 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
To address this challenge, Program A: Ensuring Accessibility of FaST Strain for Productive, Profitable, and Sustainable Grow-out Operations, under the National Tilapia R&D Program was crafted and approved for implementation.
CLSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ravelina Velasco, delivering her opening remarks. (Image credit: IARRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
This program is a collaboration between Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and Isabela State University (ISU).
Through the implementation of this program, existing hatcheries are expected to gear up as FaST satellite nucleus and multipliers. They will be strengthened to produce quality fingerlings, boost productivity and efficiency through precision digital technologies, automation, and renewable energy. It will also enhance breeding performance with the use of feed additives.
The initiative also seeks to refine and optimize strategic approaches in grow-out systems and assess the rearing performance of the FaST strain under extreme temperature conditions. These efforts are designed to significantly uplift the tilapia industry, particularly benefiting hatchery and grow-out operators. Ultimately, the program aims to foster more efficient, innovative, and sustainable aquaculture practices that will drive long-term progress in the sector.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the program, IARRD successfully concluded a two-day Inception Meeting, leveling-off session, and pre-implementation workshop on March 24-25, 2025 at CLSU.
During the inception meeting, CLSU President Evaristo Abella emphasized that this program would be a key driver in advancing the tilapia industry.
During the leveling-off and pre-implementation workshop, CLSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Ravelina Velasco, highlighted that sustainable aquaculture is not just about increasing production but also ensuring long-term benefits for the communities that depend on it.
DOST-PCAARRD, CLSU, and ISU teams during the Inception Meeting, Levelling off, and Pre-implementation workshop of National Tilapia Program: Program A held in CLSU, on March 24-25, 2025. (Image credit: IARRD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Program leader Karl Marx Quiazon presented an overview of the program, while project leaders from CLSU and ISU presented their respective projects, detailing their objectives, workplans, deliverables, and timelines. The session facilitated a shared understanding of each project’s scope and outputs, leading to critical discussions on how these projects interconnect and contribute to one another’s success.
In celebration of the National Women’s Month in 2025, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) launched a month-long series of activities to honor women in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector. This year’s sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” served as a powerful call to reinforce gender equality and women empowerment across various sectors in the country.
DOST-PCAARRD's Executive Director Reynaldo Ebora highlighted the Council's initiative and efforts in GAD integration in PCAARRD’s R&D and non-R&D projects and activities (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
During the campaign kickoff, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora highlighted the gender and development (GAD) efforts of the Council and its commitment to gender integration in its programs, projects, and activities.
Dr. Ebora proudly shared that the Council has achieved Level 4: Commitment Enhancement and Institutionalization in the Philippine Commission on Women’s (PCW) Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GMEF) — a testament to the Council’s continuous efforts to ensure long-term sustainability, impact, and success in responding to gender issues and concerns.
Power Talk Series: Women Empowerment in the AANR Sector
One of the highlights of the celebration was the Power Talk Series: Women Empowerment in AANR, which focused on gender mainstreaming strategies in the AANR sector. Held every Monday throughout March, the hybrid event featured distinguished GAD resource speakers.
Dr. Thelma R. Paris, former Social Scientist and Gender Specialist, shared her research experiences and highlighted the gender issues in the agriculture sector. On the other hand, Dr. Mary Barby P. Badayos-Jover, S&T Consultant and Associate Professor of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), discussed the gender-related issues in the aquatic sector and emphasized the importance of gender equity and social inclusion in fisheries and aquaculture. Meanwhile, Dr. Melanie P. Tolentino, S&T Consultant and Associate Professor of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), provided insights on gender issues, the roles of women, and opportunities for women empowerment in the natural resources sector.
PCAARRD staff attended the second session of the Power Talk Series: Women Empowerment in AANR Sector, which focused on gender mainstreaming strategies in the Aquatic sector. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Power Talk series gathered DOST agencies, PCAARRD staff, and PCAARRD Regional Consortia members, creating an avenue for discussing the relevant lessons and relatable stories of gender empowerment across the sector. Moreover, this activity highlighted gender mainstreaming strategies and the roles of each resource speaker as GAD champions of women empowerment in the AANR sector.
Orientation to Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG)
In its efforts to strengthen gender integration further, PCAARRD also conducted an online seminar on Bringing Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) to PCAARRD Divisions. The session, led by Mr. King David Agreda, a National GAD Resource Pool Member from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), emphasized the importance of applying a gender lens when crafting and evaluating project proposals. The activity also introduced the roles of Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) and project managers in the Council’s GAD streamlining process. Agreda mentored participants on using the core elements of HGDG to design and implement gender-responsive programs and projects.
Through this capacity building initiative, DOST-PCAARRD aims to ensure that all its R&D and non-R&D programs are inclusive and equitable.
PCAARRD staff attended the second session of the Power Talk Series: Women Empowerment in AANR Sector, which focused on gender mainstreaming strategies in the Aquatic sector. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
The Council also initiated a series of activities such as “Purple Wednesday,” a GAD information drive, and the “Purple Your Icon” campaign, to celebrate women’s month. This year’s activities were conducted through the initiative of the GAD Secretariat under SERD to show PCAARRD’s continuing support for an inclusive workplace and equal opportunities in the AANR sector.
Moving forward, DOST-PCAARRD plans to be more proactive in GAD concerns through the conduct of capacity building activities to continuously streamline gender mainstreaming, scale up gender responsiveness, and ensure GAD integration into PCAARRD programs, activities, and projects.
A new low-sodium food ingredient derived from green mussels (Perna viridis) is in development, promising to enhance flavor while addressing health concerns related to high salt intake.
Preparation of samples. (Image credit: UPV Project team)
Mussels or “tahong” is a staple Filipino cuisine due to their affordability and widespread availability, especially in coastal communities where mussel farming is a key livelihood for both small and large-scale farmers. During peak harvest seasons, an oversupply of fresh mussels is often observed. This prompts efforts to explore and utilize the excess harvest for alternative applications. One of these applications is the production of low-salt fermented sauce, which adds value to the excess harvest and is a healthier ingredient.
With the adaptation and modification of the fermentation process, green mussel was transformed into a low-salt fermented sauce rich in amino acids, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Although still in the research and development (R&D) phase, the sauce shows potential as a healthier alternative to traditional fish sauce.
The sauce contains significantly less sodium than commercially available fish sauce which aligns with consumer demand for health-conscious food options.
Collection and sieving of mussel sauce extract. (Image credit: UPV Project team)
This technology was explored for upscale production through the project, “Product Process Optimization at Up-Scale Production and Marketing Plan for Low Salt-Fermented Mussel (Perna viridis) Sauce.” The project generally aimed to evaluate the process efficiency, product cost, and market promotion strategies for the low-salt fermented mussel sauce. This was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
A critical component of the project involves scale-up production, enabling effective transition from laboratory production to larger volumes to ensure that the product can withstand the rigors of processing. Test runs were conducted to understand process dynamics and provide base information so the technology can be safely implemented. This study was conducted together with industry partners to ensure that the product is within the industry standards.
Project findings demonstrated the need for effective pricing policies and strategies, as well as cost-efficient production methods to ensure the product’s financial viability. A detailed market validation study across consumer segments will support these necessities to efficiently guide pricing decisions without compromising the product quality.
With the development of the sauce from locally produced Philippine green mussels, a recommendation on the necessary data and information was initiated for the government food regulating bodies to craft the country’s quality standards for the product.
