Publication
Abstract: Fishery resources play a vitalrole in ensuring food security and nutritionwhile contributing to economic growth through fish production and trade. Thisstudy aimed to determine the diversity of marine fishes caught by various fishing gears in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. A quantitative research design was utilized, providing numerical data on the diversity, abundance, and catch per unit effort of marine fishes. Data gathering was conducted in the five coastal barangays of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, from January to March 2025. Mean, ANOVA, and Games-Howell tests were employed to determine the average abundance, test for significant differences in CPUE, and comparefishing gears, respectively. Simple handlines, bottom-set longlines, gillnets, and pamo gillnets are commonly used fishing gears. The various fishing gears caught a total of 60 species. Pamo gill net yielded thehighest abundance (279,497), whilethebottom-set longline was the lowest (541). Species diversity was lowin bottom-set longlines (2.24) and gillnets (2.33), while very low in simple handlines (1.04) and pamo gillnets (.58). The low species diversity across gears suggests potential ecological pressure influenced by seasonality, fishing intensity, and gear selectivity. The Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) of the various fishing gears significantly differed. These findings provide baseline, gear-specific data that can inform municipal fisheries management and sustainable gear regulation in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. The study recommends guiding fisherfolk on the sustainable use of fishing gear, conducting continuous monitoring to track changes in fish diversity, regulating fishing to reduce ecological impact, and developingsustainable fishing strategies.
Keywords: Catch per unit effort, species richness, abundance, evenness
Abstract: The world is currently grappling with significant challenges concerning the availability and quality of freshwater resources, which profoundly impact human life. Water-borne diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines. This study assessed the microbiological contamination of the Govantes River in Vigan City, which serves multiple uses, including domestic and agricultural consumption, primary production, transportation, and recreation. Multiple-tube fermentation technique was employed to determine the coliform prevalence, and the Vitek 2 system was used to identify isolated Enterobacteriaceae. The bacteriological analysis revealed that the river is highly contaminated with total and fecal coliforms during the dry and wet seasons. Klebsiella pneumonia (38.10%) was the most prevalent isolate, followed by Providencia stuartii (28.57%), AmpC β-lactamaseproducing Enterobacter cloacae (23.81%), and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.52%). The consistently high coliform loads across all sampling stations indicate severe contamination, and the presence of AmpC β-lactamase-producing bacteria is particularly alarming. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to revitalize and restore the river system to protect public health.
Keywords: Waterborne, Pathogen, Contamination, Antibiotic resistance
SDG: SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 15, SDG 17
Abstract: Oyster mushroom cultivation is a sustainable practice that converts agricultural waste into valuable resources, enhancing food security and economic stability. This research examined oyster mushroom growth and production using peanut hulls and nuts as substrate supplements. The study assessed growth parameters (stipe length and diameter, pileus diameter and thickness) and production parameters (number of mushrooms per cluster, number of clusters harvested, and weight per cluster) on different substrate formulations: sawdust-molasses-limestone (S1), sawdust-molasses-limestone with 2% peanut hull (S2), sawdust-molasses-limestone with 2% nut (S3), and sawdust-molasses-limestone with 2% molasses (S4). Substrates were prepared using a completely randomized design through drying, mixing, and fermentation. The sawdust and molasses substrate produced the longest stipe and largest pileus diameter, while the sawdust and nuts substrate resulted in the largest pileus diameter, highest number of mushrooms per cluster, and greatest cluster weight. ANOVA analysis indicated no statistically significant differences between substrates, suggesting similar effects among the combinations. The study recommends using sawdust and nuts for optimal growth and production, avoiding molasses due to its inhibitory effects on cluster formation. Further research should investigate the nutrient contributions and pH levels of each substrate component to refine recommendations. Mushroom cultivators should monitor substrate pH and incorporate nuts to enhance production, with agricultural extension services providing training on effective substrate optimization.
Keywords: oyster mushroom, substrate supplement, growth and production parameters
SDG: SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 15, SDG 17
Abstract: Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with existing treatments often being costly and accompanied by adverse effects. This study investigated the antiangiogenic activity of Alokon (Broussonetia luzonica) flower extract as a potential natural alternative for inhibiting blood vessel formation critical to tumor growth. Using the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay, the study evaluated blood vessel inhibition across six treatment groups: distilled water (negative control), Quercetin (positive control), and four extract concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Results demonstrated that Alokon extract exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of angiogenesis, with the 100% concentration achieving comparable efficacy to Quercetin (27.87% and 29.60% inhibition, respectively). Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Scheffé test, confirmed significant differences between treatment groups, highlighting the extract’s potential as a cost-effective antiangiogenic agent. These findings highlight the value of Alokon flower extract in developing accessible cancer therapies, warranting further exploration into its bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications.
Keywords: Antiangiogenic Activity, Alokon, Chorioallantoic Membrane, IKOSA
Abstract: The seaweed Kawkawayan (Gracilaria sp.), marketed as a food product in the Ilocos Region, has the potential for high profitability due to its growing demand across various industries. The research, conducted in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, used the raft culture method to assess growth by measuring average weight every 15 days and analyzing its relationship with seawater parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, salinity, water current, conductivity, water temperature, and total dissolved solids). The data were analyzed using a descriptive correlation design, employing the Mean and Pearson Product Moment of Correlation. A 3.5 X 5 m raft with six monolines containing 23 seedlings was installedin the culture site.The results indicated that pH, conductivity, TDS, and turbidity were within the normal range, whereas temperature, salinity, DO, and water current were above the average. Gracilaria's weight increased consistently every 15 days, reaching a peak of 22.99 gon the 105thday. However, there was no significant correlation between the weight gain and the measured seawater parameters. The fluctuations in Gracilaria’sweight were linked to thallus breakdown caused byvigorous water movements.The study’s findings should be made available tofisherfolks in the coastal communitywho cultivate Gracilaria; optimal cultivation of this seaweed can be obtained when disturbances are minimal particularly from February to May thus boosting aquaculture productivity. Alternative cultivation methods like tubular nets and cage systems, along with valuable seaweed species, are recommended. Fisherfolks’ participation is crucial for their success and the future of seaweed farming and marine resource conservation.
Keywords: Gracilaria sp;raft culture method;water parameters;growth increment
On-going
- Women in the Codium Industry: A Comparative Analysis of their Roles, Challenges, and Contributions (2025), SDG 5, 8, 10, 14 – (AMRRDC-25-1)
- Development of Gracilaria-Enhanced Kimchi (2025), SDG 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 14 – (AMRRDC-25-2)
- Development of Graciliaria-Enhanced Chips (2024), SDG 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 14 – (AMRRDC-24-5)
- Species Diversity and Composition of Mangroves in Ilocos Sur (2022), SDG 13, 14, 15 – (AFNR-22-23-c11)
Awards
- INTERNATIONAL
- International Quality Award- Diamond Award- Oral Research Presentation- 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research I October 21-22, 2011 I Bacolod City
- International Quality Award- Best PowerPoint- 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research I October 21-22, 2011 I Bacolod City
- NATIONAL
- 2nd Place Winner Research Poster Category – Research Poster Presenter – Philippine Science Consortium
- 2nd Best Presentation DOST- TECHGROW I May 16, 2025
- LOCAL
- 4th Place Award (Oral Presentation), National Multidisciplinary Research Conference 2013 I May 22-24, 2013 I UNP, Vigan City
- 3rd place poster presentation, 28th Regional Symposium on R & D Highlights I November 7-8, 2016
- Faculty of the year I 2025 I UNP, Vigan City
Presentation
- Growth and Production of Oyster Mushroom Using Peanut as Substrate Supplement (2024), SDG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17
- Growth Performance of Gracilaria sp. (Kawkawayan) using the Raft Culture Method (2024), SDG 1, 2, 8, 12, 14
- Prevalence of Coliform Indicators and Identification of Enterobacteriaceae Isolates from the Surface Water of Govantes River, Vigan City, (2023), SDG 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17
Citations
- Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. Using the Raft Culture Method (2025), SDG 1, 2, 8, 12, 14 – https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2026050
- Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. Using the Raft Culture Method (2025), SDG 1, 2, 8, 12, 14 – https://doi.org/10.21608/ejabf.2025.442764
- Spatial and Seasonal Standing Crop of Seagrass Communities during Adverse Times in the North-Western Province of the Philippines (2025), SDG 2, 12, 13, 14, 15 – https://doi.org/10.69566/ijestm.v26i1.34
- Exploring Growth of Gracilaria sp. Using the Raft Culture Method (2024), SDG 1, 2, 8, 12, 14 – https://doi.org/10.14710/ik.ijms.29.4.557-566
- Spatial and Seasonal Standing Crop of Seagrass Communities during Adverse Times in the North-Western Province of the Philippines (2022), SDG 13, 14, 15 – https://doi.org/10.69566/ijestm.v26i1.34