Partido State University (ParSU) strengthened its contribution to international scientific collaboration by co-hosting the 19th International Kuroshio Science Symposium (IKSS) with the University of Santo TomasโLegazpi (UST-Legazpi) and other partner institutions and agencies on September 2โ3, 2026, in Legazpi City.
Building on its successful hosting of the 16th IKSS in Naga City in 2023, ParSU again contributed to the international scientific gathering through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, the Center for Sustainable Communities, and the College of Fisheries and Marine Science.
With the theme โBuilding Bridges Along the Kuroshio Region: Advancing Multidisciplinary Science and Stewardship through International Collaboration,โ the symposium brought together more than 100 researchers, scientists, scholars, academic leaders, practitioners, and other stakeholders from the Philippines and Japan.
The annual scientific gathering serves as a platform for presenting completed research and other co-creation outputs, sharing knowledge, and strengthening collaboration toward sustainable communities within the Kuroshio sphere of influence. The 19th IKSS provided an international venue for exchanging research findings, experiences, and perspectives on environmental, ecological, socioeconomic, governance, and sustainability issues affecting communities and ecosystems across the region.
The scientific program featured four plenary presentations that examined key dimensions of coastal and marine sustainability. Dir. Perla Chrisma Salao, Director for Programs of WWF-Philippines, opened the plenary sessions with โCommunity-based Coastal Management and Social Innovation.โ This was followed by โSustainable Food Systems: Challenges and Solutions,โ presented by Dr. Melvin Carlos, Deputy Executive Director III of DOST-PCAARRD, and represented by Maria Adela C. Corpuz, Assistant Director/Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Marine Resources Research Division, PCAARRD.
On the second day, Dr. Hiroyuki Ukeda, President of Kochi University, Japan, presented โCo-existing with Skipjack Tuna: Initiatives of the Kochi Sustainable Skipjack Association.โ Dr. Wilfredo L. Campos, scientist and retired professor of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, delivered the final plenary presentation, โGovernance and Use Rights in the Kuroshio: Balancing Access, Equity and Sustainability.โ
The presentations highlighted the importance of community participation, sustainable food systems, collaborative fisheries management, and equitable governance in addressing contemporary coastal and marine challenges.
Complementing the plenaries were research and poster presentations, as well as breakout discussions covering marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal resource management, livelihoods, governance, and sustainable development. The exchanges underscored the value of bringing together diverse disciplines, institutions, and perspectives to develop responsive approaches to complex coastal and marine issues.
ParSU faculty members, researchers, and DOST-funded project personnel also contributed to the scientific program by presenting research. These included Dr. Joela Mizchelle D. Dacillo, Director of the Center for Sustainable Communities; Mr. Garry P. Dacillo, Assistant Professor IV; Dr. Jioie Muriel A. dela Vega, Project Technical Assistant III; Mr. Mahater S. Bensual, Project Technical Assistant III; Mr. Joefrey F. Usigan, Project Technical Assistant I; Dr. Jonel M. Corral, College of Fisheries and Marine Science Dean and Ms. Carla E. Gegantoca, Project Technical Assistant I.
Beyond presenting research, ParSU representatives facilitated scientific exchanges during the breakout sessions. University Professor and Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Raul G. Bradecina, Dr. Dacillo, and Dr. dela Vega served as session moderators, guiding discussions among presenters and participants and fostering meaningful exchanges on the research topics presented.
Through its co-hosting and active participation in the 19th IKSS, ParSU continues to strengthen its internationalization efforts, multidisciplinary research, and academic and scientific partnerships within the Kuroshio region. Building on its involvement in previous IKSS gatherings, the University remains committed to advancing science-based and community-responsive approaches to the sustainable management and stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems.
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