24/11/2025
๐๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ข ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ค
The MSU-Gensan project โIntegrating Blockchain Technology for Traceability in the Shrimp Industryโs Food Supply Chain in Sarangani Province and General Santos Cityโ, funded by DOSTโPCAARRD, together with the Sargen Shrimp Stakeholdersโ Association, Inc., successfully held the Usapang Hipon: Shrimp Stakeholdersโ Meeting on November 12, 2025, at the Grand Summit Hotel, General Santos City. The activity brought together shrimp growers, processors, government agencies, academe, and private sector partners for a meaningful exchange of ideas and industry updates.
We were honored to have key partners join us, especially the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XII, who played a major role in supporting the discussions. Mr. Alven Tagbac, Head of the Aquaculture Unit, represented BFAR XII and highlighted the agencyโs commitment to strengthening shrimp production through science-based practices, strong biosecurity, and collaborative research. We also welcomed Ms. Cecilia Loquias, President of PhilExport and representative of ECA Cold Store Plus; Mr. Edmel Saplad, Supply Chain Head of Mindanaw Seafood; representatives from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS); and many other valued stakeholders who contributed to the conversation on industry needs, challenges, and opportunities.
The program opened with Welcome Remarks from Dr. Keno Jay M. Balogbog, OIC Vice Chancellor for Research, Extension, and Innovation, followed by the activityโs Rationale delivered by Dr. Jypzie M. Catedrilla, Project Leader. Dr. Catedrilla emphasized how blockchain-based traceability can strengthen food safety, transparency, and market competitiveness for the SARGEN shrimp industry.
Participants also learned from a series of insightful technical presentations.
โข Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang provided an overview of major shrimp diseases and science-based management approaches.
โข Dr. Keno Jay M. Balogbog facilitated the validation of the vannamei shrimp value chain in Sarangani and General Santos City.
โข Dr. Romnick B. Unabia introduced innovative uses of shrimp shell waste in nanomaterial production.
โข Dr. Jypzie M. Catedrilla presented the prototype of the blockchain-based shrimp traceability system developed under the project.
The meeting wrapped up with a synthesis and Closing Remarks from Dr. Cristina P. Dadula, who highlighted the strengthened partnerships formed through the activity and reaffirmed MSU-Gensanโs commitment to supporting a transparent, sustainable, and future-ready shrimp industry.
A warm thank you to all our partners, speakers, participants, and special guests for making Usapang Hipon a meaningful and successful gathering. We look forward to more collaborations as we work together to uplift the SARGEN shrimp industry! ๐ฆ๐
๐ธ: University Press and Communications Office (UPCO)
