National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - UP Visayas

24/08/2026

📢 𝙉𝙄𝙈𝘽𝘽 𝙎𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 2026 | 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) at UP Visayas is pleased to announce the Second Batch of the Call for Applications for the NIMBB Seed Grant 2026! 🚀

UPV Graduate and undergraduate students are once again invited to apply for the Institutional Research Support Program, a service-based initiative designed to support and strengthen molecular biology and biotechnology research studies. 🧬

Take this opportunity to advance your research with NIMBB and bring your ideas closer to meaningful scientific outcomes! 🔬✨

Through this program, selected student researchers will receive:
🔬 Access to laboratory facilities and specialized equipment
🧪 Technical expertise and research mentoring
🧫 Reagents and consumables
📊 Structured laboratory support and supervision

❗ 𝗡𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱.
All support is provided strictly in the form of services, expertise, and facility access.
👥 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 (4) 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲.

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲
🗓 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘀: September - October 2026
🔎 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: November 2026

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆?
🎓 𝗨𝗣𝗩 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗗 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
📚 𝗨𝗣𝗩 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀
✅ With an approved research proposal
🧪 Conducting Molecular Biology or Biotechnology studies

The NIMBB Seed Grant 2026 reflects NIMBB’s strong commitment to advancing scientific excellence, building research competence, and enhancing the impact of student-led scholarly work.

If your research requires molecular laboratory support, this is your opportunity to strengthen your study with institutional expertise and facilities.

📩 For details and application guidelines, email: 𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗯.𝘂𝗽𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀@𝘂𝗽.𝗲𝗱𝘂.𝗽𝗵

20/08/2026

𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚: 𝙋𝙎𝙃𝙎-𝙒𝙑𝘾𝙄𝘾 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙎𝙄𝙋 2026

Five (5) students from the Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City (PSHS-WVCIC) successfully completed their Science Immersion Program (SIP) 2026 at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), University of the Philippines Visayas, held from July 1 to 15, 2026.

Designed to provide meaningful exposure to research-based scientific practice, the immersion brought the students into an interdisciplinary learning environment encompassing molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and fisheries science. Through supervised laboratory activities, the trainees gained hands-on experience in fundamental techniques used in molecular analyses, including sample dissection, DNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification and quality assessment, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and agarose gel electrophoresis. They were also introduced to microbiology and laboratory practices, providing additional perspective on the role of microorganisms in biological and molecular research. These activities strengthened their understanding of laboratory workflows while developing their technical competence, analytical skills, and appreciation of scientific research. 🧬🦠🐟

The trainees also participated in a field exposure at the UPV Freshwater Aquaculture Station, where they gained firsthand experience in sample collection and were introduced to the practical application of scientific methods beyond the laboratory. This integration of laboratory- and field-based activities provided a broader perspective on how scientific concepts and techniques are applied in fisheries, biotechnology, microbiology, and molecular research. Beyond technical training, the SIP provided opportunities for professional mentorship and scientific engagement, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, scientific discipline, and interest in STEM and innovation. 👨‍🔬👩‍🔬

The 2026 SIP reflects NIMBB’s commitment to nurturing young learners through practical, research-oriented, and experiential science education. By providing students with opportunities to participate in laboratory and fieldwork, engage with practicing researchers, and experience real-world scientific environments, the program aims to help build a strong foundation for their future research endeavors and inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, biotechnology, and related fields.

𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚, 𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙮—𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙖 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 🔬🧬🦠🐟

Congratulations to the five PSHS-WVCIC students on the successful completion of their Science Immersion Program 2026! May this experience continue to inspire curiosity, scientific inquiry, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

08/08/2026

𝘼 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩 🍃

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) and the UPV Aquatic Biohealth Research Laboratory (ABRL) recently came together for a Rest and Recreation (R&R) activity, providing a welcome opportunity to unwind, recharge, and reconnect. Filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences, the gathering fostered camaraderie, strengthened connections, and created lasting memories that will continue to bring us closer together.

More than a chance to relax, the activity celebrated the value of spending quality time together and building meaningful connections beyond our everyday routines. It provided an opportunity to appreciate the value of shared experiences, mutual support, trust, and meaningful relationships that continue to strengthen our community.

As we continue working toward our shared goals, may the spirit of togetherness inspire us to support one another, celebrate every milestone, and cherish the connections that make our community stronger.

06/08/2026

[𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆]

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬
𝗧𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Please be advised that the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), University of the Philippines Visayas will be closed tomorrow, 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 7, 2026, in observance of its 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗥&𝗥) Activity.

During this time, all office and laboratory operations will be temporarily suspended. Regular operations will resume on 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 10, 2026.

For urgent concerns or inquiries, you may reach us via email at 𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗯.𝘂𝗽𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀@𝘂𝗽.𝗲𝗱𝘂.𝗽𝗵, and we will respond as soon as possible upon the resumption of office operations.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

27/07/2026

The University of the Philippines Visayas – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPV-NIMBB) facilitated the Monday Flag Ceremony on July 27, 2026, reaffirming the institute's commitment to unity, excellence, and dedicated public service.

The ceremony was facilitated by Ms. Apple Gray Deallo, Ms. Jirah P. Mamigo, Ms. Pearl Joy Laureano, Mr. Vicente Nim Jr., NIMBB Core Staff, and Dr. Christopher Marlowe Caipang, Director of UPV-NIMBB. Also in attendance were Ms. Denise Joy Pelipaga, Ms. Althea Escanlar, and Mr. Francisco Bernabe, project personnel of UPV-NIMBB.

In his inspirational message, Dr. Caipang drew insights from William Ernest Henley's poem Invictus, emphasizing that resilience, courage, and personal accountability are indispensable qualities in overcoming challenges and fulfilling one's responsibilities. He encouraged everyone to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, recognizing that while obstacles are inevitable, it is our determination, integrity, and commitment to our shared mission that ultimately define the impact of our work.

Reflecting on the poem's enduring message, Dr. Caipang shared its closing lines:

"I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul."

As we begin another week of service, may the spirit of Invictus inspire each of us to lead with purpose, embrace responsibility, and remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and public service.

24/07/2026

𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝! 🧬🌍

We extend our warmest congratulations to 𝗗𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲 𝗔. 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴, Director of the University of the Philippines Visayas – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPV-NIMBB) and Associate Professor at the Division of Biological Sciences, on being recognized among the 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱'𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗽 5% 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 2025 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆. This prestigious distinction, based on rigorous bibliometric analysis, recognizes the global impact, quality, and influence of a scientist's research contributions.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to Dr. Caipang's unwavering commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering innovation, and producing impactful research in the field of inland aquatic resources and related disciplines. His dedication to research excellence not only advances the frontiers of science but also strengthens the Philippines' standing within the global scientific community.

Beyond his accomplishments as a researcher, Dr. Caipang has exemplified excellence as an educator, mentor, and academic leader. Through his passion for discovery, collaborative spirit, and commitment to addressing real-world challenges, he continues to inspire fellow researchers, students, and aspiring scientists to pursue knowledge with purpose and integrity. This well-deserved recognition reflects years of perseverance, scholarly excellence, and an enduring commitment to generating research that creates meaningful and lasting impact.

May this milestone inspire the next generation of scientists to strive for excellence and reaffirm the importance of investing in research, innovation, and scientific collaboration for the advancement of society.

Once again, congratulations, Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang, on this outstanding international recognition. We celebrate this remarkable achievement with immense pride and we look forward to your continued contributions to scientific discovery, innovation, and national development.

Your achievement is a source of pride for the University of the Philippines Visayas, the Philippine research community, and the nation, serving as a shining example of Filipino excellence on the global stage.

22/07/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Caipang!

The Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division extends its warmest congratulations to one of its esteemed project leaders and technical evaluators, Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang for being verified and recognized among the World's Top 5% Scientists in the 2025 SciRank Global Registry through rigorous bibliometric analysis. 🌏

The 2025 Global Scientist Index evaluated more than 8 million active researchers and 20 million scholarly publications from OpenAlex, the world's largest open research database. Only researchers who ranked within the top 5% based on the Normalized Composite Score qualify for certification.

This recognition reflects your commitment to forwarding science and contributing to the global scientific community. May your passion for excellence continue to inspire researchers and enable them to explore their potential in R&D.

Congratulations, Dr. Christopher Caipang! 👏

10/07/2026

🎓 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝘼𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩! 🧬

The University of the Philippines Visayas – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPV–NIMBB), together with the UPV Division of Biological Sciences and the UPV Aquatic Biohealth Research Laboratory (ABRL), proudly congratulates the 2026 graduates under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang, Associate Professor and NIMBB Director.

Your dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning have led you to this remarkable milestone. Through your research and training in biology and molecular sciences, you have contributed to advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening the next generation of Filipino scientists. 🦠 🔎🧬

As you embark on new journeys, may you continue to uphold excellence, pursue meaningful discoveries, and use science to create positive impacts for our communities and the environment.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀! 🎉

Your UPV–NIMBB family celebrates your success and looks forward to your continued contributions to science, research, and innovation.

Padayon, mga Iskolar ng Bayan! 🌻

10/07/2026

🎓 𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚: 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝙈𝙨. 𝙅𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙝 𝙋. 𝙈𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙤, 𝙈.𝙎𝙘.🌻

The UP Visayas – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPV–NIMBB) proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Ms. Jirah P. Mamigo, University Research Associate I, on earning her Master of Science in Ocean Sciences.

Her thesis, "𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 (𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂) 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗼, 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀," highlights her commitment to advancing marine science and the sustainable management of coastal resources. As a valued member of UPV–NIMBB, she has also contributed to molecular biology research through laboratory support, research initiatives, and capacity-building activities.

Your dedication and passion for scientific excellence continue to inspire the UPV–NIMBB community.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗠𝘀. 𝗝𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗣. 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗼, 𝗠.𝗦𝗰.!🎉🎓

Your UPV–NIMBB family is proud of you and wishes you continued success in your scientific journey. 🌊🧬

Pagpupugay! 🌻

03/07/2026

𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨 𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙈𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨: 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙈𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙏𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙥 𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚

The DOST-GIA–funded project, “Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) in Aquaculture Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Western Visayas and Its Implications on Food Safety,” led by Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang, successfully conducted a capacity-building training-workshop on the molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on 26 June 2026. Hosted by the University of the Philippines Visayas – National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPV-NIMBB), in collaboration with the UPV Aquatic Biohealth Research Laboratory (ABRL) and the Division of Biological Sciences, the training aimed to strengthen the technical capabilities of researchers and stakeholders in Western Visayas by equipping them with molecular diagnostic tools essential for antimicrobial resistance surveillance and seafood safety.🦐🧫🧬

The workshop brought together 15 participants composed of students, researchers, and faculty members from the University of the Philippines Visayas, Aklan State University, Capiz State University, West Visayas State University, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Capiz. Through a combination of lectures and intensive laboratory exercises, participants gained hands-on experience in the complete molecular diagnostic workflow, including shrimp tissue dissection, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, agarose gel electrophoresis, gel documentation, and interpretation of results. The training provided participants with practical competencies in molecular techniques that are increasingly important for aquatic animal health monitoring, food safety assurance, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.🧬🥼 🧪

The training was spearheaded by Dr. Caipang and facilitated by project personnel Ms. Lourence Mae Feo and Ms. Denise Pelipaga, together with UPV NIMBB staff members Ms. Jirah P. Mamigo and Ms. Apple Gray P. Deallo, with support from student interns from the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) and the University of San Agustin–Iloilo City (BS Biology). Through a balanced integration of scientific lectures and intensive hands-on laboratory training, the workshop provided participants with practical experience in molecular diagnostic techniques while fostering knowledge exchange, strengthening technical competencies, and promoting collaborative partnerships among higher education institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders advancing aquaculture research, biotechnology, and food safety.

The training concluded with collaborative data analysis and troubleshooting sessions that reinforced participants' technical understanding and confidence in molecular diagnostics.👨‍🔬👩‍🔬 🔬

By expanding regional expertise in ARG detection, the initiative strengthens institutional capacities for aquatic animal health surveillance, supports evidence-based strategies for sustainable shrimp aquaculture, and contributes to safeguarding food safety in Western Visayas. The activity likewise reinforces collaborative scientific networks that advance research, innovation, and biotechnology capacity development in support of national and global sustainable development goals.🧬🧬🧬