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Newly-discovered dolphin in Bicol hints at biodiversity under threat

Newly-discovered dolphin in Bicol hints at biodiversity under threat

Published: November 04, 2022
By: Maria Asheidee M. Masayon

FIRST IN THE REGION. ‘Calab’ was a healthy subadult female Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), one of the world’s most endangered dolphin species. She is the first of her species ever to be found in the Bicol region. (Photo: BFAR V.)

The first-ever sighting of an Irrawaddy dolphin off the shore of Calabanga, Camarines Sur, has left scientists of the University of the Philippines excited but concerned over the possibility of as-yet undiscovered marine biodiversity in the region.

 

Nicknamed “Calab” by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Marine Mammals Stranding Network (PMMSN), the dolphin was a healthy young female that unfortunately died after it accidentally got entangled in a fisherman’s net in San Miguel Bay off Calabanga, Camarines Sur, last Aug. 16. An autopsy found Calab’s stomach still full of undigested fish, indicating that she died relatively suddenly and unexpectedly.

 

“Calab’s death is an unfortunate incident, but it has paved the way to learning more about these rare and beautiful creatures,” said Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, the president of PMMSN and a professor at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM) at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

 

Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are characterized by gray or dark-blue backs and pale bellies. O. brevirostris has a high tolerance to various levels of salinity, which enables the species to live in areas where salty seawater and freshwater meet – such as in the mouths of rivers and bays. They are among the world’s most endangered dolphin species, indicated as critically endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are also considered critically endangered by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 

 

This is the first time that an Irrawaddy dolphin was found on the Pacific or Eastern side of the Philippines. Apart from other Irrawaddy dolphin populations in South and Southeast Asia, all previous sightings in the Philippines were exclusively in the Western part of the archipelago – in Malampaya Sound, Palawan, and in the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait.

 

Experts have yet to understand how Irrawaddy dolphins found their way to Palawan, Iloilo, and Bicol. Aragones suggests that they might have been there since prehistoric times, before humans arrived in the archipelago and possibly even before humans existed at all, when environmental conditions were likely optimal for widespread migration.

 

“Basically, the populations have been there for a very long time, we just didn’t know to look for them,” he explained. Despite needing air to breathe, dolphins generally spend as much as 95% of their lives underwater, enabling them to elude discovery.

 

Aragones is eager to know more about other possible marine mammal species in San Miguel Bay. Calab is proof, he said, that there is still so much yet to be discovered in the Philippines’ richly biodiverse waters. He and his team of marine mammal scientists and local BFAR personnel are scheduled to visit San Miguel Bay to hopefully find more Irrawaddy dolphins and study them in their natural habitat.

 

Meanwhile, without a proper survey and understanding of the area’s ecosystems, unregulated human activity could kill off not just Irrawaddy dolphins but other possible as-yet undiscovered species in the area. Unsustainable and illegal fishing practices as well as poorly-planned infrastructure threaten to disrupt local marine environments and biodiversity even before scientists have a chance to study them. 


For further information and requests for interviews, please email media@science.upd.edu.ph

A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY. Dr. Lem Aragones (in black mask) and Dr. Mariel Buccat (in gray scrubs) prepare to conduct a detailed study of Calab’s remains. (Photo: Shedy Masayon, UP Diliman).

Michael and Allesandra (“MAP”) Science Scholarship Grant

Michael and Allesandra ("MAP") Science Scholarship Grant

Slot: 1

 

Qualifications:

 

1. Must be a Filipino Citizen.
2. Regular student at the University and minimum Second Year standing.
3. Currently enrolled in any Undergraduate program in the College of Science.
4. Must have earned minimum cumulative weighted average grade “2.75” in all courses.
5. Enrolled and passed in at least Fifteen (15) credit units per semester.
6. Must not have received any final grade lower than “3.00” or have an existing grade of “INC”.
7. Parents / Guardian’s combined annual gross income is not more than Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P 300,000.00).
8. Must have not been held liable in any disciplinary action.

9. Must have been of good moral character and must not has been convicted on any crime.

 

Benefits:

1. Stipend: P 50, 000 / Sem
2. Miscellaneous Expenses (Book Allowance): P 15, 000 / Sem

3. Incentive: P 20, 000 / end of the consecutive second semester

 

Deadline: October 31, 2022

 

Please submit the following requirements:

 

1. Accomplished Scholarship Form
2. ITR (Latest)
3. TCG
4. Form 5
5. GMC

6. OSE Clearance

 

to adsapa_staff@science.upd.edu.ph

 

Request Form for OSE Clearance – https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScFg0BzPqylk…/viewform

UPD CS Graduate Students Orientation 2022

Click here

to Register

UPD-CS NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS ORIENTATION

TO ALL NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS: (Those who started their degree program during the 2nd Semester, AY 2021-2022 and 1st Semester, AY 2022-2023)

WHAT: College of Science NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS ORIENTATION

PLACE: INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY AUDITORIUM

DATE : MONDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2022

TIME : 2:00 P.M.

Invitation will be sent to you via email. To pre-register, please see link or scan the QR code. See you there!

10th ASTHRDP Conference – Summary of Proceedings Day 2- September 23, 2022

10th ASTHRDP Conference Summary of Proceedings Day 2 – September 23, 2022

In the first plenary session of the day, UPLB Institute of Biological Sciences Assoc. Prof. Phillip Alviola discussed his extensive years-long research into bat-borne diseases and the implications of his work on the present and future pandemics. His talk, entitled, “Viruses with potential high consequence from Philippine bats: Results of the UPLB-Japan research into bat-borne pathogens” noted the existence of several virus families common to bats in the Philippines that are very closely genetically related to human-infectious viruses being monitored by the World Health Organization. Apart from ebola and coronaviruses, hantaviruses were of particular concern because of their mortality rate of up to 75% – higher than the SARS-CoV-2 virus and “the stuff of nightmares,” Prof. Alviola warned. Moreover, he said that the widespread distribution and migration patterns of bats in the country means a high potential for outbreaks in the future, given the right circumstances. He and his colleagues are currently undertaking an in-depth multidisciplinary study of bats – including their habitat, migration patterns, and interactions with humans – to help anticipate possible future outbreaks and pandemics.

 

The last plenary presentation, by UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding Researcher Dr. Mark Angelo O. Balendres, entitled, “Plant pathogens and crop diseases: Challenges and opportunities” underscored the importance of crop protection and management in meeting the nutritional needs of the continually burgeoning global population, which the UN estimates to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050. Dr. Balendres pointed out the need for a better appreciation and public understanding of the various best practices surrounding plant health in farms, such as non-chemical pesticides and crop management methods: “We need more communication and awareness at the community level, particularly at the level of farmers. And we need more research on non-pesticide intervention,” he said. However, Dr. Balendres lamented the lack of skilled plant pathology researchers to address these concerns – a glut that was further aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely limited opportunities for fieldwork and hands-on experience. However, he expressed hope that improved public communication and encouragement to pursue crop protection even at the high school level could help grow the research community and enable it to rise to the challenge.

 

The two-day ASTHRDP Conference was capped by a formal ceremony honoring scholars from across the country with refereed publications, as well as the announcement and awarding of the winners of the Oral and Poster Presentations at the Conference.

 

The day ended on a high note with closing remarks from UP Diliman College of Science Dean and 10th ASTHRDP Conference Chair Giovanni Tapang, who congratulated the attendees not just on their individual research but also on the community they had built through their hard work: “This years’ celebration would be impossible without you, our scholars – past, present, and even the future. We thank you all for sharing this with us… Padayon!” Dr. Tapang concluded.

A Summary of the Proceedings of the 10th ASTHRDP Conference: Day 1

A Summary of the Proceedings of the 10th ASTHRDP Conference: Day 1

The first day of the conference opened with welcoming remarks from DOST-SEI Director Josette T. Biyo, who touched on the event’s theme, “ASTHRDP: 10 Years of Sustaining Excellence,” by underscoring the continued excellence of the ASTHRDP’s scholars through the years even despite the pandemic: “They always go the extra mile, and this event proves that,” she said. Citing in-house survey data, she pointed out that in the years 2015 to 2018 alone, the number of R&D personnel jumped 200% from 25,000 to 75,000. And despite setbacks from the pandemic, the country’s research community has continued to grow and thrive largely because of initiatives like the ASTHRDP.

 

The opening was also graced by the presence of DOST Sec. Renato Solidum Jr., who praised the ASTHRDP scholars for persevering through and overcoming the challenges of the pandemic for the greater good. “We need your expertise to move forward and pursue research, not just for academic reasons but for the value it can bring to mankind… Maraming salamat!” Solidum said in praise of the scholars.

 

For his keynote address, “Science is a Never-Ending Challenge,” ASTHRDP-NSC Steering Council Chair Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit congratulated the ASTHRDP scholars for their key role in building up the Philippines’ research capability. He pointed out that, to date, the ASTHRDP accounts for some 50% of the country’s graduate scholars, comprised mostly of MS degrees but with an ongoing effort to increase the country’s PhD scholars as well. Further in his talk, Dr. Dayrit doubled back on the unprecedented challenges of recent years by exhorting the audience to always remember that provisionality and adaptation are fundamental to the practice of science. Moreover, he noted the importance of scientists and researchers in confronting the challenges of our time, from biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation to overpopulation and food security. A cooperative and multidisciplinal approach is essential, according to Dr. Dayrit: “Any one science cannot do it alone. We should stop working in silos,” he advised.

 

In the first plenary session of the day, UPLB Graduate School Dean Dr. Jomar Rabajante gave an overview of the growth of mathematics from ancient times through to the twenty-first century, and what this growth of ideas has to teach today’s researchers in a post-truth and post-pandemic world. His talk, “Bringing back the ‘Philosophy’ in ‘Doctor of Philosophy’” touched on the paradigm shifts that have changed the way science is understood and pursued. Citing philosopher Karl Popper’s notion of falsification, Dr. Rabajante stressed the importance of continually testing established ideas. “Science is dynamic and we can continuously innovate and grow as human beings,” he said. “Testing is part of our job as scientists. But we must also teach, not just how and when but also why – in other words, the philosophy behind the science.” In the Q&A session that followed, when asked about how best to improve public appreciation of science, Dr. Rabajante pointed to the need for early education: “We should train people to know what’s scientific and non-scientific. Gawin natin sa simula. Sa elementary and high school pa lamang, doon ang laban,” he said.

 

The second plenary talk, delivered by NIP Prof. Dr. M. F. Ian G. Vega II was titled, “Point particles in general relativity.” Vega talked about how Einstein’s relativity led to the discovery and eventual visualization of black holes. The Nobel Prizewinning discoveries of recent years would not have been possible, according to Vega, without the collaborative efforts of multiple researchers from around the world over many decades. “Modern advances have brought us to a new golden age in physics, but there are still a lot of problems that still need to be addressed,” he mused. Reiterating ideas raised in previous talks, Vega said that collaboration and dedication to research are essential to the growth of human knowledge. “There’s something to be said of the bravery of experimentalists who are willing to undertake these experiments over a very long time, because these are the kinds of experiments that often bring surprising results,” he explained.

 

The plenary talks were capped by a brief photo session, followed by the presentation of ASTHRDP scholars’ work in simultaneous oral and poster breakout sessions in the afternoon.

Remembering Maam Sanna: mentor, colleague, academic mother

Remembering Maam Sanna: mentor, colleague, academic mother

Maria Ines Rosana D. Balangue-Tarriela, Ph.D., or Ma’am Sanna and the unofficial “Nanay ng NIGS,” sadly joined our beloved creator last August 8, 2022. Her commanding yet comforting presence, her uplifting and warm attitude, and her motherly aura were remembered by her former students, colleagues, mentees, and more people who she has helped or inspired.

Maam Sanna as a Mentor

 

“Bakit ako susuko, hindi pa nga ako sinusukuan ni Ma’am Sanna“

 

Dana Sarmiento, University Research Associate, heard this from one of the students in their laboratory and it really resonated with her. For her, Maam Sanna consistently inspires people to keep going and to push harder in academics and in life–that is how passionate she is to geology and her students. Outside the classroom, Dana mentioned they would have late-night meetings with Maam Sanna to discuss their research, field work requirements, and climb mountains. “That is how much she cares. Dr. Tarriela made a huge impact on the field of geology and on the lives of the people around her,” she added.

 

Maam Sanna as a motherly figure

 

“Iba magmahal ang isang Ma’am Sanna”

 

Anna Sarah Rhea S. Mendoza, NIGS instructor, lovingly mentioned that Ma’am Sanna was a “mother she never knew she needed.” As her former student, Anna remembered how Maam Sanna would go far and beyond to always make her discussion interesting and engaging. She also received important advice from Maam Sanna that made her studies in geology bearable. As a colleague, Anna mentioned that her love and dedication to her profession have inspired countless colleagues and students like her to pursue what we love to do. “She would always say to us words of encouragement like ‘huwag kayo bibitaw‘ and ‘walang susuko’, just like how a mother would say to her children. One of her strengths and admirable qualities is her ability to give hope when there seems to be none.” she added.

 

Maam Sanna and NIGS 

 

Aside from being an associate professor, Maam Sanna was pursuing research angled in geothermics, hydrothermal geochemistry and economic geology. Her early studies were crucial in developing models and regulations that helped in promoting sustainability of natural resources.

 

Beyond her institutional duties as a professor and scientist, Maam Sanna was well remembered in NIGS as someone who was willing to extend help in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she facilitated the solicitation of and managed the funds generated from donations, and distributed these to the needy NIGS constituents, whether for their internet requirements for online classes, or even for the most basic necessities like food and shelter. 

 

It is indeed unfortunate to lose a significant figure who has contributed in shaping NIGS as a national institute. She will surely be remembered by her students, co-authors, co-teachers and all the people whose lives she touched in many ways. She will be remembered for embodying a loving mother and for being a thoughtful, helpful person. She will be remembered for a successful journey she had. Most of all, she will be remembered through the good values she has shared as the “Nanay ng NIGS.”