SU faculty and students showcase marine research at PAMS18

Silliman University (SU) faculty and students presented key studies at the 18th National Symposium on Marine Science (PAMS18), held on July 10–12, 2025, at the University of the Philippines–Cebu, addressing pressing marine science issues in the Philippines.

Dr. Aileen Maypa, SU Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) director, presented on the challenges of protecting Apo Island’s marine biodiversity amid the proposed jetty port project. Dr. Nadia Palomar-Abesamis, SU Biology Department faculty member, reviewed the utilization and trade of giant clams in the country, while Asst. Prof. Persie Mark Sienes, also from the Biology Department, shared updates on the molecular assessment of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus).

Asst. Prof. Persie Q. Sienes shares his research on the blue swimming crab.

SU alumni Jules Marko Lopez (BS Marine Biology) and Marie Cris Parao (BS Biology) also presented their thesis research. Lopez discussed the stomach content analysis of the blue-spotted maskray (Neotrygon kuhlii), and Parao on the morphological and molecular characterization of Ulva species in Tawi-Tawi.

Organized by the Philippine Association of Marine Science (PAMS), the biennial symposium carried the theme “Oceans at a Crossroad: Integrating Science, Policy, and Action for Sustainable Philippine Seas”.

Marie Cris Parao (BS Biology 2025) presents her thesis research on the Ulva seaweed from Tawi-Tawi.

It gathered over 500 participants from the academe, NGOs, government, and private sectors, featuring about 400 oral and poster presentations focused on aligning research, governance, and community efforts to address the country’s critical marine ecosystem challenges.