A meeting with the thesis advisees was held on 7 September 2026, to discuss the overall project and coordinate the different research components.
The thesis advisees came from different institutions and will study different components of the project:
PhD Students
1. Aaron Froilan M. Raganas – Functional traits of typhoon-disturbed mangroves
2. Alessandra Nicole L. Morado – Spatial ecology of mangrove-seagrass seascape
MS Students
1. Jacklyn Fe Tolentino – Bivalves and Bacterial Co-occurrence
Co-adviser: Dr. Marie Christine Obusan
2. Kenneth Angelo L. Bagay- Gastropod and Protozoa Co-occurence
Co-adviser: Dr. Marie Christine Obusan
3. Jackelyn T. Moraca – Faunal Activities
Principal adviser: Dr. Sheila Mae Santander – de Leon
BS Students
1. Mica Ella Abad – Meiofaunal biodiversity
Co-adviser: Dr. Francis Magbanua
2. Arwen May Torres – Fungal Diversity
Co-adviser: Dr. Marie Christine Obusan
3. Ciro Gabriel Lacson – Seagrass Assessment
4. Gianella Mhercel Esteban – Vegetation Structural Complexity
5. Edric James D. Aganan & Rolando Domingo D. Escalona III – Biomass/Carbon
Principal Adviser: Dr. Ariel Blanco
6. Van Ulrich G. Delos Santos & Bless P. Balunon – Sea Level Rise
Principal Adviser: Dr. Ariel Blanco
7. Joshua Diacamus and Carmelo Catapang – Seagrass biomass modeling in different meadow conditions
Principal Adviser: Dr. Ayin Tamondong
8. Adina Shifra Lacdang – Post-Disaster Adaptation and Mangrove Rehabilitation Initiatives
Principal Adviser: Dr. Dixon Gevaña
The discussion covered the various components of the project and the role of each thesis within the broader research framework, as well as the expected project deliverables and outputs. The group also discussed the tentative sampling activities for October, including the tide schedules for the proposed sampling dates to support fieldwork planning.
The meeting also outlined the next steps for the thesis advisees in preparation for their upcoming thesis proposal defense, including the necessary requirements and preparations for their respective research projects.
The meeting served as an important step in aligning the individual thesis projects with the broader objectives of the project and preparing the team for the upcoming research and field activities.
