With academicians, led by Academician Jaime C. Montoya, Chair, Health Sciences Division, National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHIL) and NAST President.
BUTUAN CITY, Philippines—Dr. Ariel Antinero, a Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) scholarship alum, PhD graduate in marine biology, and current faculty member of the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Mindanao State University at Naawan, won second place in the Best Scientific Poster category at the 2026 Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting held on 19–20 May 2026 in Butuan City, Philippines. The event carried the theme "UN SDGs: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development."
The conference gathered researchers, scientists, and academics from across Mindanao, featuring 17 scientific posters representing various institutions and regions. It served as a platform for sharing innovative research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in advancing science-based solutions for sustainable development.
Antinero's award-winning poster was titled "Advancing SDG 14 Through Environmental DNA Metabarcoding: Fish Diversity and Habitat Connectivity in Coral Reef–Seagrass–Mangrove Ecosystems of FMA 9, Philippines." The study applied environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, a non-invasive molecular technique that detects genetic material shed by organisms into the environment, to assess fish diversity and habitat connectivity across interconnected coastal ecosystems.
The research highlights the potential of eDNA-based approaches in understanding marine biodiversity patterns and ecosystem connectivity, providing valuable insights for conservation planning and fisheries management in Fisheries Management Area 9 (FMA 9). It contributes to advancing science-based monitoring tools for coral reef–seagrass–mangrove seascapes, which are critical coastal habitats in the Philippines.
Through his research, Antinero continues to advance innovative, non-invasive tools for biodiversity assessment, contributing to sustainable marine resource management and the broader goal of achieving SDG 14: Life Below Water.
Mindanao State University at Naawan team
The SEARCA PhD Research Scholarship supports qualified doctoral students in their final year of study to complete their dissertation research aligned with SEARCA's priority thrusts. The program opens its call for applications twice a year, in July and December, and supports research addressing pressing challenges in agriculture, food security, natural resources, and rural development.
For more information about this scholarship, visit the SEARCA PhD Research Scholarship page.