UP Marine scientists begin October-leg research in West Philippine Sea

Marine scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute began on Saturday their October-leg research expedition in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

UP marine scientists including Dr. Cesar Villanoy, Dr. Fernando Siringan, Dr. Deo Florence Onda, and Dr. Hazel Arceo (UP Cebu) aboard the MY Panata set out to implement the Pag-asa Island Research Station (PIRS) refurbishment plans.

They were accompanied by their research associates Dr. Dennis Tanay of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), and Dr. Jay Batongbacal of Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS) to conduct research expeditions in the country’s maritime waters.

Based on the assessment conducted in the early summer expeditions, the UP Marine Science Institute said the research team will be facilitating the repairs and installation of the new features including a solar panel system.

“The team hopes to have PIRS ready for future research endeavors in Pag-asa Island and around WPS,” the UP Marine Science Institute wrote in a Facebook post.

At a press conference on August 27, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said  that more research vessels were procured by the UP Marine Science Institute, which will be added to the government's naval assets.

Esperon underscored that the country might cooperate with other countries in marine research to have a better study and for the protection of the tension-filled areas.

Earlier, the Philippines lodged, again, a diplomatic protest over China's continued presence and deployment of vessels in the WPS. —LBG, GMA News