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As part of the ongoing program review of the Master of Marine Affairs (MMA) Program of the University of the Philippines Visayas, a workshop was conducted to gather valuable insights, recommendations, and perspectives from MMA alumni, faculty members, government representatives, and professionals from various sectors. The workshop was held on August 26, 2026, at the GCEB Training Rooms, UP Visayas Iloilo City Campus. The activity provided a venue to discuss the results of alumni surveys and previous stakeholder consultations, review the existing MMA curriculum in light of emerging marine and coastal issues and evolving professional and industry needs, and identify priority areas for curriculum enhancement. The inputs gathered during the workshop will contribute to the proposed revision and future implementation of the MMA Program. The workshop brought together participants with diverse backgrounds and experiences in fisheries, marine affairs, coastal governance, government service, academe, research, and related fields: Lorna H. Angor (Ret.) – BFAR VI / LIPASECU Benedict Mark M. Carmelita – UP Visayas / Too Big To Ignore Philippines Rear Admiral (Ret.) Eustacio Nimrod P. Enriquez Jr. – Philippine Coast Guard Dr. Gerald F. Quinitio – Professional Regulatory Board of Fisheries Erwin E. Ilaya – BFAR Region VI Samuel Dan Elijah B. Sandig – LGU Culasi / PM-TMEM, UPLB Roma Joy R. Jordan – UPV CFOS-IFPDS Lecturer Steve P. Janagap – UPV Quality Assurance / UPV Dept of Chemistry Rosanmi Yap Castro-Labnao – University of Antique / UP Visayas Jose Marie A. Eslopor – UPV Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Cherry Grace L. Sudaria – UPV / ISAT-U Diane Hope Tormon-West – Guam Department of Education, USA Maria Christina G. Gumba-Garcia – Partido State University The Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS) of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and the UPV Graduate School extend their sincere appreciation to all the participants for generously sharing their time, experiences, and valuable insights during the workshop. Photos courtesy of UPV IFPDS

The Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS) and the University of the Philippines Visayas Graduate School, conducted a workshop and brainstorming session with alumni of the Master of Marine Affairs (MMA) Program at the UPV Graduate School Conference Room, Graduate and Continuing Education Building, UPV Iloilo City Campus, last July 23, 2026. The workshop brought together MMA alumni to gather feedback on various aspects of the program, including course content and delivery, class scheduling, financial assistance and scholarship opportunities, and academic requirements. The alumni shared their experiences and recommendations for improving the program and making it more responsive to the needs of its students and stakeholders. Professor Nathaniel Anasco, Secretary of the UPV Graduate School, opened the program and emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing graduate programs to ensure their continued relevance. Professor Rodelio F. Subade, Dean of the UPV Graduate School, also shared insights on mentorship and course delivery. Assistant Professor Joshua M. Regalado presented an overview of the MMA Program and key findings from the MMA alumni survey and student exit interviews. IFPDS faculty members Dr Liberty Espectato, Dr Farisal Bagsit, and Dr  El Andro Obar facilitated the workshop discussions. The workshop forms part of a series of activities being undertaken for the comprehensive review of UP Visayas’ Master of Marine Affairs Program. Photos courtesy of UPV IFPDS

The University of the Philippines Visayas Graduate School proudly congratulates Dr. Jihan Santanina S. Alumbro of the School of Technology for successfully completing the FMFC International Training Programme 2026 entitled “Integrating the Healthy Foods Value Chain: From Local to Functional Claim,” held at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand from July 1-15, 2026. Dr. Alumbro participated in the international training through the Faculty Mobility Grant awarded by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). The grant supports academic and professional exchange among faculty members in Southeast Asia, fostering regional collaboration and strengthening capacities in agriculture, food systems, and related disciplines. Organized by the School of Agro-Industry of Mae Fah Luang University under the FMFC Project, the programme brought together 14 participants from the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Dr. Alumbro’s successful participation in the programme is expected to further strengthen UPV’s initiatives in research, instruction, extension, and community engagement, particularly in the areas of food innovation, sustainable agriculture, and value chain development. Photos courtesy of Dr. Jihan Santanina S. Alumbro Related articles: