By Brett Andrew Rikke Bungcayao, StratCom Correspondent

Ms. Jhoanna Faye Jacinto, instructor of MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology, won first place in the Fishing for Solution Competition during the First Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium, held from October 16 to 18 at the University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City.

Ms. Jacinto's winning entry was her graduate research project titled “Sea-Lution: Sustainable Empowerment Through Archipelagic Seaweed and Locally Sourced Bioplastics for Fisheries.” Co-authored by Prof. Encarnacion Emilia Yap, the principal investigator of the DA-BAR SOS Project, alongside Asst. Prof. Lhumen Tejano, Ms. Karie Mae Tolones, and Mr. Raymund Parcon, the study emphasizes the use of seaweed-based bioplastics made from food-grade agar, alginate, and semi-refined carrageenan, with glycerol serving as a plasticizer. This innovative solution supports sustainability in the fisheries sector by aiming to reduce plastic waste and revolutionize fishery product packaging.

Upon receiving first place, Ms. Jacinto expressed her gratitude, saying, “This recognition validates all the hard work and passion we poured into the project, not only for advancing sustainable solutions but also for empowering small-scale fishers. It’s fulfilling to know that our research is making an impact and resonating with others who care about fisheries and environmental sustainability.”

Ms. Jacinto was also awarded the Best Student Oral Presenter in the Graduate Category for her presentation, “Development of Seaweed-based Bioplastic: A Sustainable Packaging Solution for Enhancing Small-scale Fisheries in the Philippines,” which was co-authored by Prof. Yap, Asst. Prof. Tejano, and Asst. Prof. Leonilo Endoma Jr. She received a total of Php 16,000 for the Fishing for Solution and Graduate Studies Oral competitions.

The symposium was sponsored by several institutions, including the University of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, United States Agency for International Development, University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.