The Batangas State University (BatStateU), through the Verde Island Passage Center for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Sciences (VIP CORALS), and in partnership with the Philippine Phycological Society, Inc. (PPSI) will be co-hosting the 9th National Symposium and Scientific Meeting of the PPSI on Nov. 12-13 to which they will pay homage to the 90th birthday of national scientist Dr. Gavino Trono Jr., a Filipino biologist dubbed as the “Father of Kappaphycus farming”.

Dr. Trono was conferred the rank of National Scientist of the Philippines for contributions to the study of tropical marine phycology, focusing on seaweed biodiversity. He is currently working as a technical consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Aquaculture Seaweed Research and Development and is a professor emeritus of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI).

The symposium carries the theme “Phycology Under New Normal and Beyond” which headlines four (4) international scientists as plenary speakers: Dr. Victoria Chraibi, Assistant Professor of Biological Science, Tarleton State University, USA; Dr. Roberta D’Archino, Marine Biologist – Coast and Oceans, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA); Dr. Suzanne McGowan, Professor of Freshwater Science, Netherlands Institute of Ecology; and Dr. Joel Cuello, Professor of Biosystems Engineering, University of Arizona, USA.

According to PPSI President Dr. Wilberto D. Monotilla, this year’s scientific program also features oral and poster sessions from professionals and students presenting a broad range of research findings related to phycology.

“The symposium will provide the ideal forum to stimulate ideas and establish collaborations as well as encourage and initiate discussions. As we journey towards our third decade in providing professional and scientific education, we aim to create a new engaging online experience with aspiring professionals by providing innovative insights and invaluable guidance and assistance from experts in the field of Phycology,” Dr. Monotilla added.

Established in 2007, PPSI is steadfast to its mission of promoting the science of phycology (study of algae) in the Philippines, being the country’s primary and foremost phycological society in education, research, and industry, and serving as repository of information on the phycological culture and resources in the country. 

This will be the first time that the symposium will be held virtually. PPSI conducts its symposium biennially with partner organizations and universities in some localities which include UP MSI (2007 and 2011), UP Los Baños (2009), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) (2013), Mariano Marcos State University (2015), Mindanao State University (2017), and De La Salle University (2019), and Batangas State University (2021), thus serving its constituents from different regions of the country.