SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
Students from different regions of the Philippines gathered for the 4th Aquaculture Research Talk held on 6 July 2026 at SEAFDEC/AQD Tigbauan Main Station, Iloilo to gain valuable insights from researchers and scientists while exploring career opportunities in research.
A total of 125 participants, composed of university and senior high school students along with several faculty members, attended the event in person, which carried the theme “Dream, Discover, Dive In: Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers.”
The research talk featured presentations by Associate Scientist Dr. Joana Joy Huervana, Researcher Erish Estante-Superio, and Scientist Dr. Mary Anne Mandario, who shared their research experiences, scientific discoveries, and career journeys in aquaculture.
Dr. Huervana recounted how her curiosity about science led to a career in aquaculture research through laboratory work, field experience, and international graduate studies while at SEAFDEC/AQD. She encouraged students to embrace unexpected opportunities and recognize the impact of fisheries research on food security and livelihoods.
The talk by Estante-Superio explored the broad career potential within fisheries after tackling basic misconceptions about the field. She outlined a framework for growth focused on four key actions: grow by building diverse skills before opportunities arise; connect by maintaining a strong professional network and reputation; embrace learning from every available experience; and persevere through obstacles.
Dr. Mandario presented a case study on rotifer mass culture demonstrating how ex situ biofloc technology can maintain water quality and support high-density rotifer production without water exchange. This research emphasized that scientific research must extend past basic theoretical knowledge to deliver practical and impact-oriented solutions for the needs of the society.
On-the-job trainees at SEAFDEC/AQD and students from different schools also had a chance to ask questions from the presenters during the open forum.
The participants represented 15 educational institutions namely Capiz State University Dayao Satellite College, Northern Iloilo State University (NISU)–Estancia, NISU–Concepcion, San Joaquin School of Fisheries, Guimaras State University, Iloilo Doctors’ College, West Visayas State University, Caraga State University, Mindanao State University (MSU)–General Santos, MSU–Maguindanao, MSU–Iligan Institute of Technology, Romblon State University–Sta. Fe, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines–Panaon, Aklan State University, and Ghent University (Belgium).
