In a significant step for conserving Lake Lanao’s endemic cyprinids, a team from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted a Monitoring and Evaluation at MSU Main Campus, Marawi. The team, led by Dr. Adelaida T. Calpe, Director of the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), assessed the progress of a DOST-GIA-funded program titled “S&T Intervention towards the Conservation and Management of the Endemic Cyprinids of Lake Lanao.” The event included progress presentations from the six research component projects, followed by an ocular inspection of supporting laboratories in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) and the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS).
The team also paid a courtesy visit to the MSU System President, Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, at the Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center. During the discussion, President Tago emphasized the university’s strong commitment to conserving Lake Lanao’s endemic cyprinids. He reiterated MSU’s support for protecting these native species from invasives and affirmed its dedication to research and extension projects that benefit both the lake and the communities that rely on it for a source of food and livelihood.
President Tago fondly recalled his childhood memories of swimming in the lake and savoring the distinct flavor of what are now endangered endemic fish. The discussion shifted to the factors that may have contributed to the species’ decline. He charged MSU Main researchers with thoroughly investigating these causes and developing actionable conservation strategies to protect the remaining endemic cyprinids. He specifically highlighted the critical need to address the threat posed by the proliferating invasive goby (Katulong), tasking the researchers with formulating targeted management and mitigation measures.
The informal discussion with the President included the IARRD team, Dr. Adelaida T. Calpe, Ms. Janet Jane Saraza, and Mr. Ivan Timothy Glenn F. Gatdula, and MSU officials: Office of the Vice President for Planning and Development (OVPPD) Assistant Vice President Prof. Oding L. Ma-amor, JD, DPA; Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, and Development Dr. Fema M. Abamo; CFAS Dean and the program leader Dr. Ma-ann M. Camarin; University Extension Services – Ranaw Sustainability and Resilience Center (UES-RSRC) Director Melencio C. Jalova, Jr.; and College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) Dean Mudzna M. Asakil, along with CFAS Faculty Jollymar M. Capistrano.
MSU Main Campus and DOST-PCAARRD concluded the discussions with a strengthened partnership, committing to collaborative, high-impact research for the conservation of Lake Lanao’s endemic cyprinids and its entire ecosystem.
