
About PAMS
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The Philippine Association of Marine Science (PAMS) was organized in 1990 during the First National Symposium in Marine Science held at the Bolinao Marine Laboratory in Pangasinan. It has since grown from a modest association of 76 charter members to more than 200 strong today. As a national organization, PAMS connects the academe, government, industries, development agencies, and non-government and private groups involved in marine science research and development in the country. It values and emphasizes the role of Filipino scientists in building knowledge on tropical marine ecosystems, and supporting science-based governance. The National Symposium is organized every two years, with hosting responsibilities rotating among academic institutions across the three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

PAMS 17
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The National Symposium on Marine Science is a biennial conference in the Philippines that provides a regular platform to share marine science research and related efforts, in view of supporting conservation and management goals in the country. For its 17th occasion, the Symposium takes up the urgent cause to restore the planet with its theme “Saving Our Seas: Restoring marine systems for people and nature.”
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Never has it been more pressing to accelerate and harmonize efforts to restore our marine ecosystems. This is especially felt in the Philippines where local stressors compounded by climate and global environmental change grievously undermine coastal and marine ecosystems, thus endangering the human communities that directly rely on them for services and benefits essential for healthy and prosperous lives. Restoring healthy ecosystem function would translate to, among others, stronger protection against climate hazards, sustainable and dignified livelihoods for all, food security, resilience to disturbance and change, and a better tomorrow for future generations. PAMS 17 aims to be the resounding affirmation of Filipino marine science researchers and practitioners in doing our part for the shared responsibility of saving our seas.
PAMS 17 in Batangas



Batangas State University - The National Engineering University
Pablo Borbon Campus, Rizal Ave., Batangas City, 4200 Batangas
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Batangas Province, located at the edge of southwestern Luzon in the CALABARZON Region, is one of the provinces that bounds the Verde Island Passage, the “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity in the world.” Of its 34 cities and municipalities, 14 municipalities and one city are coastal. Its economic activities are largely marine- and maritime-based such as fishing and tourism, as well as commercial, industrial, and shipping enterprises. The Batangas coast has well-developed nearshore habitats, which are utilized for many purposes including research and recreation. It is particularly famous for its beaches and dive sites. Batangas has a celebrated history of participation and leadership in marine research and management. Numerous sites in the area are conservation models and success stories, with continuous and institutionalized stewardship.
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Batangas State University (BatStateU) is a Level IV State University, and was recently declared the National Engineering University for its offerings of accredited engineering courses. It has a strong marine research contingent being home to the Verde Island Passage Center for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Sciences (VIP CORALS). The location of the University in an important economic zone and its proximity to exceptional marine habitats enable it to both promote higher learning and influence science-based development. It is committed to its vision of “Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation.” The University has 11 campuses all over Batangas Province, and the Symposium will be hosted in its Pablo Borbon Campus.
17th National Symposium on Marine Science
Symposium Topics
Species diversity
biology, ecology, taxonomy, or systematics of a species or taxon
Ecosystem diversity
habitat assessments, diversity, or ecology of areas or sites
Governance & policies
issues, programs, and/ or interventions of civic and government groups that manage and protect marine and coastal environments; resource management activities
Oceanography
research on oceans including their physical and chemical properties, origin, and geologic framework, as well as resident organisms
Fisheries and aquaculture
advances or new knowledge on commercially important species and aquaculture
Conservation & restoration
connectivity of ecosystems, renewing and restoring degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems and habitats by active human interruption and action; climate change-related studies on vulnerability or resilience of ecosystems
Marine pollution & toxicology
human waste that has harmful effects on the oceans
People & nature
the connection between human societies and the marine environment, including citizen science, community-based resource management, indigenous knowledge systems, and education and advocacy campaigns
Techniques & innovations
methods, tools, databases, systems or applications used for marine biological research or marine conservation and management

Keynote Speaker
Plenary Speakers
Meet the PAMS Officers
2022-2023

President
Jayvee Ablaña Saco, Ph D (JV)
Batangas State University
Ecophysiology, culture, cell biology, biodiversity and taxonomy of seaweeds aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Vice President for Luzon
Francis Xavier D. Verdadero (Verds)
Ateneo de Naga University
Coral reef ecology, marine and coastal resources management, box jellyfish ecology aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Vice President for Visayas
Nadia Palomar-Abesamis, Ph D (Nadia)
Silliman University
Invertebrate ecology and reproductive biology, biodiversity conservation, science education aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Vice President for Mindanao
Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit, Ph D (Hilly)
Mindanao State University Iligan
Ecosystems-based approach, coastal and riverbasin management, multisectoral environmental governance, landscape finance, ecological restoration, disaster risk reduction

Secretary
Kristina Cordero-Bailey (Pach)
University of the Philippines Los Baños
Biological oceanography, plankton ecology, ocean and coastal remote sensing, land use and marine spatial planning, climate change adaptation and disaster risk assessment

Treasurer
Miledel Christine C. Quibilan (Mags)
University of the Philippines Diliman
Coral reef ecology, marine and coastal resources management, coastal and fisheries climate change adaptation and resilience aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Auditor
Ma. Gregoria Joanne P. Tiquio, Ph D (Anjo)
University of the Philippines Los Baños
Marine plant biology and ecology, coastal pollution, ecotoxicology aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaa aaaaa
Public Relations Officer
Noreen Marie Follosco (Kubi)
Wetlands International Philippines
Community ecology, climate change adaptation and resilience, mangrove ecology and rehabilitation, coastal management and governance, science communication