In a strategic effort to champion science, technology, and innovation (STI) in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector through international collaboration and knowledge exchange, representatives from James Cook University (JCU) Australia paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) in Los Baños, Laguna on April 14, 2025.
The visit served as a venue to discuss and conceptualize the proposed PCAARRD-Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) collaboration on shrimp research. The initiative aims to address food security and sustainability in aquatic resources by enhancing shrimp health and production through advanced selective breeding, disease surveillance, and novel therapeutic approaches.
The delegation was welcomed by DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora and key officials from the Council, including Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) Director Adelaida T. Calpe, Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD) Director Lilian G. Bondoc, and Institution Development Division (IDD) Director Fezoil Luz C. Decena.
Dr. Ebora shared the Council’s ongoing collaboration with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), emphasizing joint efforts in research and development, as well as capacity building initiatives. He also highlighted the International Graduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (iGREAT), one of the scholarship platforms under the Philippine Department of Science and Technology-ACIAR (PhilDOST-ACIAR) Fellowship Program. Dr. Decena proudly shared that two Filipino scholars were granted the opportunity to study at JCU Australia through the iGREAT program.
Also present during the activity are research partners and industry experts who actively engaged in the development of the shrimp research collaboration. Key representatives from partner academic institutions include Dr. Arthuro Llusima, Mr. Klowie Pagente, and Mr. Kreighton Cadorna of the University of the Philippines Diliman-Marine Science Institute; Dr. Christopher Marlowe Caipang of the UPV Division of Biological Sciences; and Dr. Mary Beth Maningas and Ms. Krisha Marie Saquilayan of the University of Santo Tomas.
As a leading institution in marine science, biodiversity, and tropical health, among others, JCU remains committed to addressing global issues through research and innovation.
As DOST-PCAARRD strengthens its international linkages, the visit from JCU Australia reaffirmed the value of global cooperation in strengthening research ecosystems and developing science-based solutions for a sustainable AANR sector.
