Newsletter: UP MSI and Partners Launch Kalalawdan Fellowship Program Batch 2 to Strengthen Science-Based Maritime Governance in the Philippines

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By Sofia Guanzon, Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, UP MSI

A new cohort of researchers, government professionals, and local policymakers from across the Philippines will soon convene under the Kalalawdan Fellowship Program as Project NEXUS 2.0 expands efforts to strengthen the connection between marine science and policymaking in the country. As an archipelagic and maritime nation, pursuing and strengthening science-based development is not only needed but necessary. However, attaining this will require policy reforms that are both science-enabling and science-enabled. These are the challenges faced by the Lawod Fellows as they embark on a seven-month training under the Fellowship program.

Building on the gains of the first phase of Project NEXUS and the inaugural Kalalawdan Fellowship, the program's second batch brings together participants from national government agencies, local government units, and academic institutions.

The current cohort of 20 Lawod Fellows reflects a range of perspectives and expertise, with participants representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and coming from government, academe, and the private sector. In a celebration of interdisciplinarity, diversity, and culture, the fellowship seeks to equip participants with the knowledge, networks, and practical tools needed to translate scientific evidence into actionable policy reforms for the country's marine and maritime sector within their respective contexts.

The list of accepted fellows are: 

1. Goldyn Anne A. Comisario – Isabela State University – Institute of Fisheries, Isabela, Cagayan

2. Nico Jayson C. Anastacio  – University of the Philippines Los Baños - Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies, Los Baños, Laguna

3. Chona Camille V. Abeledo  – De La Salle University – Br. Alfred Shields FSC Marine Station (SHORE Center), Manila City, Metro Manila

4. Marvelous Dainty C. Camilo  –   City Government of Tagum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte   

5. Ma. Cecilia T. Arcilla – Catanduanes State University, Virac, Catanduanes

6. Glaiza S. Ibañez  – UP Marine Science Institute – Bolinao - Marine Invertebrate Ecology Laboratory, Bolinao, Pangasinan

7. Jose Marie A. Eslopor  – University of the Philippines Visayas - Regional Research Center, Miagao, Ilo-Ilo 

8. Eric B. Macalolot  – University of Santo Tomas - Faculty of Engineering, Manila City, Metro Manila

9. Maria Kristina O. Paler  – University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City

10. Marren A. Adan  – Philippine Coast Guard - Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center (CGSSIAC), Manila City, Metro Manila

11. Reiner A. Cua  – Department of Information and Communications Technology - Procurement and Communications Oversight, Quezon City, Metro Manila

12. Cristopher B. Agbulig  – Department of Science and Technology - Department Legislative Liaison Office (DOST-DLLO), Taguig City, Metro Manila

13. Patrisha Gaille N. Terrazola  – National Security Council of the Philippines - Partnership and Engagement, Quezon City, Metro Manila

14. John Rey V. Reyes – Bluer Seas Philippines Inc., Negros Occidental, Marinduque, Mindoro

15. Geneva Frances C.Guyano – Oceanus Conservation Inc., Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Lobo, Batangas

16. Ringwald Rommel P. Sarmiento II – Sangguniang Bayan ng Plaridel, Plaridel, Quezon Province

17. Eena Marie M. Nuevas – Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Ocean Environments Task Force (OETF), Quezon City, Metro Manila

18. Imee S. Hacla – Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Ocean Environments Task Force (OETF), Quezon City, Metro Manila

19. Siara Jeanne F. Nulada – Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Ocean Environments Task Force (OETF), Quezon City, Metro Manila

20. Khristine L. Sandoval – National University - Mall of Asia (NU MOA) Research Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila

[END OF PRESS RELEASE]