A twelve-member delegation from the University of the Philippines (UP) headed by Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director for Institutional Linkages and Professor at the Marine Science Institute and officials from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) put the spotlight on Philippines’ active participation and sharing of learnings at the 16th International Conference on Harmful Algae (ICHA 16) on 28 October-1 November 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. They presented scholarly papers on a broad spectrum of studies on harmful algal blooms (HAB) and other related subjects. Professors and post graduate students from the University of the Philippines, Marine Science Institute together with the PNRI, DOST, DA, NFRDI engaged actively with the host organizers and international participants and extensively networked with delegates from New Zealand and other countries.

The Philippine Embassy Team warmly welcomed the Philippine delegates with Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez hosting a dinner in their honour at “Ang Bahay” (Ambassador’s residence) on 29 October 2014. It was a wonderful and enjoyable opportunity to learn more about the work of the Filipino scientists who are making distinctive contributions and enhancing the Philippines’ excellent reputation in the marine science and other fields. “It is a privilege for us at the Philippine Embassy to receive and take care of the UP delegation and meet the other officials who made our country and people proud during ICHA 16. Their presence, presentations and participation highlighted the Philippines’ impressive track record and experiences in various aspects of marine science and their areas of specialization,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.

The Philippines was well represented by Ms. Rhodora V. Azanza, PhD, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director, Office of Institutional Linkages, University of the Philippines System Professor, The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Ms. Leni G. Yap-Dejeto, PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines-Visayas, Ms. Aletta T. Yñiguez, PhD, Professor, University of the Philippines, Ms. Camilla Jane Bollozos, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Ms. Menche Lazarte, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Mr. Erwin Don Racasa, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Ms. Jennifer Maister, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Mr. John Kristoffer Andres, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Mr. Peter Paolo Rivera, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Mr. Bryan John Subong, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Mr. Raphael Junnar Dumalan, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Mr. Joshua Vacarizas, Student and Research Assistant, University of the Philippine-MSI, Ms. Ma. Llorina O. Rañada, Science Research Specialist II, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Mr. Rhett Simon dC. Tabbada, Science Research Specialist II, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Ms. Aileen DL. Mendoza, Science Research Specialist II, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Ms. Sandra Victoria R. Arcamo, Chief, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture and Ms. Elsa F. Furio, Supervising Aquaculturist, Oceanography Section, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute. Ms. Alice Gedaria, PhD, Environmental Scientist, Government of Western Australia also attended ICHA16 and joined the dinner hosted by Ambassador Benavidez.

The Philippine Embassy Team said “we are all so proud of our scientists and experts and blessed to know that the Philippines is indeed home to world class talents in the scientific field.”

Dr. Azanza thanked the Philippine Embassy for the warm hospitality and the “kindness that will be long remembered and cherished.” She is closely collaborating with Ambassador Benavidez for institutional tie-ups and faculty and student linkages between UP and universities in New Zealand.