Newsletter: Bohol Advances Plastic Pollution Monitoring Through PlastiZen Partnership with UP MSI and BISU

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By Sofia Guanzon, Microbial Oceanography Laboratory, UP MSI

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines –– On July 31, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI), through its PlastiZen Project, held a Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Bohol and Bohol Island State University (BISU) on July 31, 2026, at the Reyna and Havens and Gardens, Calceta St., Tagbilaran City. 

The MOA is between the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), Bohol Island State University (BISU), and the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGB). Governor Erico Aristotle "Aris" Aumentado of Bohol, Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda, Project Leader of the PlastiZen Project; Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Diliman; and Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, President of Bohol Island State University were present during the signing. 

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.