MMSU VetMed profs connect with global experts on marine mammal conservation
By Benedict Jay Collado
Two professors of the MMSU College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) represented the university at the International Marine Mammal Symposium, connecting with marine mammal experts from across Asia at the Singapore Oceanarium in Singapore from June 3 to 5.
Dr. Hasmin Chogsayan and Dr. Roco Gearhart attended the three-day symposium, which was organized by the Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network. This served as a platform for marine mammal experts, veterinarians, conservation practitioners, and researchers across Asia to discuss stronger regional collaboration in responding to marine wildlife emergencies.
Sessions covered marine mammal stranding case management, necropsy protocols, rehabilitation strategies, and emerging threats affecting marine ecosystems in Asian waters. Participants also took part in lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops that enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in marine mammal stranding response, while emphasizing evidence-based post-stranding evaluation and the importance of data sharing and regional collaboration.
The symposium provided valuable learning opportunities for the two faculty members, whose experience is expected to enrich instruction, research, and extension programs of the young CVM, particularly in wildlife health management and environmental stewardship. Their participation also opened opportunities to strengthen the university's linkages with regional experts and organizations working to protect marine biodiversity.
Dr. Melvin A. Bagot, CVM dean, thanked the university for supporting the participation of the faculty members in the international symposium.
"We are grateful to the university for allowing our faculty to learn from and connect with experts across Asia. The knowledge and professional networks they gained will strengthen our instruction, research, and extension initiatives as we continue to build the college and contribute to wildlife conservation," Dr. Bagot said.
With the marine ecosystems increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and various human activities, the symposium aimed to equip veterinary professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address emerging environmental challenges through capacity-building program.
Aug, 13, 2026 11:30:am
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