By Karren Jay G. Asgar
(From left to right) Prof. Mizpah C. Villalobos, Ms. Jirah D. Bulquerin, RCh, and Ms. Aira Rose P. Panadero pose for a photo during the poster presentation at the Talabacon 2026 National Oyster Conference held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.
The Central Philippine University delegation took part in the Talabacon 2026 National Oyster Conference held from May 18 to 19, 2026, at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, with CPU undergraduate research prominently featured in the poster presentation session.
The two-day conference was organized by Central Philippine University, the University of the Philippines Visayas, and the University of the Philippines Diliman Marine Science Institute, and supported by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), together with other partner institutions.
The conference opened with welcome remarks, one of which was delivered by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, who emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborative research in advancing marine science and aquaculture in the country.
CPU delegation composed of Centralian students; Ms. Panadero (3rd from left); Dr. Rolando V. Pakingking, Jr. (4th from left); Dr. Villalobos (3rd from right); Dr. Evelyn Grace D. Ayson (4th from right), Director of the University Research Center; and Ms. Bulquerin (2nd from right) pose for a photo during the Talabacon 2026 National Oyster Conference held at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.
Across the first day, plenary sessions centered on aquaculture technologies and biosecurity concerns, including broodstock and hatchery development for the tropical oyster (Crassostrea iredalei), improvements in Philippine oyster production and quality, and studies on the diversity, prevalence, and virulence of Ostreid Herpesvirus-1 (OsHV-1) under the VIROYS program.
The second day focused on marine biology and ecology, featuring discussions on the fisheries and reproductive biology of the gold-lip pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima), as well as the distribution, abundance, and ecology of pearl oysters (Pteriidae) in the Philippines.
The poster presentation session featured a CPU undergraduate thesis presented by Jirah D. Bulquerin, RCh, a 2024 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, titled “The Potential of Oyster Shells in Improving Quality Parameters of Used Cooking Oil.”
The study, conducted under the supervision of thesis adviser Ms. Aira Rose P. Panadero and Project Lead Dr. Mizpah C. Villalobos, explores the use of oyster shells as a sustainable material for filtering and improving used cooking oil.
Prior to its presentation at the national conference, the research achieved an academic milestone after being accepted for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal.
Dr. Villalobos highlighted the significance of the achievement for the university’s research community, saying, “In my 20 years here in CPU, it is my first time to experience our former BS Chem undergraduate student presenting their thesis at a prestigious national conference like this,” during an interview.
CPU’s participation reaffirms the university’s commitment to advancing research excellence and strengthening collaboration in marine science and aquaculture, while continuously supporting the development and presentation of innovative undergraduate research in national academic platforms.