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