College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS)

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES VISAYAS
COLLEGE OF FISHERIES AND OCEAN SCIENCES

INSTITUTE OF FISH PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

The Institute of Fish Processing Technology (IFPT) is one of the four component institutes of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, the University of the Philippines Visayas located in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. It has three (3) fundamental functions in the field of post-harvest fisheries: academic/instruction, research, and public service/extension. The IFPT provides a venue to educate, explore, and extend the knowledge and expertise in fish processing technology integral to a holistic approach to fisheries.

As an academic institution, its curricular offerings are aimed at equipping students with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and analytical capabilities that will enable them to address challenges and concerns in the field of post-harvest fisheries. The faculty and researchers of the institute are licensed fishery professionals with expertise in the fields of post-harvest fisheries handling and processing, food quality and safety, fishery product development, fisheries quality management, microbiology, molecular biology, fisheries biochemistry, fishery entrepreneurship, and marketing systems, among other specializations.

The institute has an updated research program that is relevant, innovative, and responsive to the current needs in the field, clustered into the following themes:

  • Food safety and quality
  • Fish handling and preservation
  • Product innovation
  • Emerging technologies
  • Bioactive compounds and functional food
  • Waste utilization and management

IFPT offers public service and extension programs in the form of technology transfer and dissemination, short-term training courses, contracted services for pilot-scale production of commercially viable technologies, analytical services, technological assistance and consultancy, and immersion for Senior High School students.

Also, IFPT has ventured into the production of fishery products utilizing locally available and sustainable resources to fully maximize the use of expertise and facilities, and to promote technology adoption and product commercialization. Its income generation program, Fishtek Fish Processing (formerly FishTEK Ventures), has been in operation beginning of 2017, developing value-added products from milkfish and other fish species like sardines and flying fish, big-belly pomfret, and snake mackerel which are underutilized species found in the region. The institute ventures into these activities to address issues or concerns of the fishery sector, particularly for the common fisherfolks in the coastal areas.

In order for the institute to solidly adhere to its vision and mission, it accedes to the tagline
“The Institute of Fish Processing Technology, your partner in postharvest fisheries”.

VISION AND MISSION

VISION

Dynamic, global, and lead center of excellence in post harvest fisheries.

MISSION

  • Develop qualified human resources for the country’s fisheries sector.
  • Advance the field of postharvest fisheries through basic and cutting edge research programs.
  • Conduct public service and outreach programs that enable the institute to share its expertise with mentors and users of technology.
  • Provide policy directions in postharvest fisheries.

WHO WE ARE

As an academic institution, its curricular offerings are aimed at equipping students with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and analytical capabilities that will enable them to address challenges and concerns in the field of post-harvest fisheries. The faculty and researchers of the institute are licensed fishery professionals with expertise in the fields of post-harvest fisheries handling and processing, food quality and safety, fishery product development, fisheries quality management, microbiology, molecular biology, fisheries biochemistry, fishery entrepreneurship, and marketing systems, among other specializations.

FACULTY MEMBERS

Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap

Professor 9 and Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (VCRE)

Field of Expertise: Fisheries Quality Management; Food Quality and Safety; Post-Harvest Fisheries Fisheries Value Chain Analysis; food quality and safety; new fishery product development

Educational attainment: BSFisheries (cum laude), University of the Philippines, MS Food Science, Cornell University, USA, PhD (Mol Bio & Biochem) (units), Murdoch University, Australia

Contact Information: esyap@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

Dr. Rhoda Mae C. Simora

Assistant Professor 6 and IFPT Director

Field of Expertise: Microbiology, Fish Biotechnology, Molecular Chemistry CRISPR/Cas9 technology, Fish biotechnology, Fish genetics, Microbial enzymes, Seafood safety, Low temperature fish handling, Antiviral genes in fish, Fatty Acids

Educational attainment: BSFisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, MS Environmental Biotechnology, Gyeongsang National University, South Korea

Contact Information: rcsimora@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

Dr. Sharon N. Nuñal

Associate Professor 6

Field of Expertise: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Fish Quality & Safety, Fisheries Biochemistry Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Fish Quality & Safety, Fisheries Biochemistry

Educational attainment: BSFisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, MSBioresources Science, Mie University, Japan PhD Fisheries Science, Kagoshima University, Japan

Contact Information: snnunal@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

Asst. Prof. Lhumen A. Tejano

Assistant Professor 4

Field of Expertise: Fish processing and handling, Product Development Fisheries product quality and safety, fisheries product development, bioactive peptides and functional products from aquatic organisms

Educational attainment: BSFisheries (cum laude), University of the Philippines Visayas, MSFisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas

Contact Information: latejano@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

Asst. Prof. Leonilo F. Endoma Jr.

Assistant Professor 2

Field of Expertise: Fish processing and handling, Product Development Fish processing and handling, Product Development

Educational attainment: BSFisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, MSFisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas

Contact Information: lfendoma@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

Ms. May Flor S. Muegue

Instructor 4

Field of Expertise: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Fisheries Science, Molecular Biology Biochemistry, Microbiology, Fisheries Science, Molecular Biology

Educational attainment: BSFisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, MSBiology, University of the Philippines Visayas

Contact Information: msmuegue@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

Ms. Gardel Xyza S. Libunao

Instructor 4

Field of Expertise: Post-Harvest Fisheries, Molecular Biology, Food Science (Fish Chemistry) Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Fish processing and handling

Educational attainment: BSFisheries (magna cum laude), University of the Philippines Visayas, MS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (ongoing), University of the Philippines Diliman

Contact Information: gxslibunao@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

Ms. Byrille Tiara M. Galon

Instructor 3

Field of Expertise: Fisheries Post Harvest Technologies Microbiology, Molecular Biotechnology, Fisheries Post Harvest Technologies

Educational attainment: BSFisheries (cum laude), University of the Philippines Visayas

Contact Information: bmgalon@up.edu.ph

Google Scholar link

RESEARCH, EXTENSION and PROFESSIONAL STAFF (REPS)

Ms. Karmelie Jane M. Monaya

University Research Associate 1

Field of Expertise:  Fish Processing Fisheries Post Harvest Technologies, Microbiology

Educational attainment:  BS Fisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas

Contact Information: kmmonaya@up.edu.ph

Ms. Rose T. Mueda

University Researcher II

Field of Expertise:  Fisheries Post Harvest (Handling and Product Development), Food Safety, Entrepreneurship, Marketing System Product Research and Development, Food Safety, Market Research

Educational attainment:  BS Fisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, MS Biology (units), University of the Philippines Visayas, Master of Management (Business Management)(units), University of the Philippines Visayas

Contact Information: rtmueda@up.edu.ph

Dr. Grace N. Palmos

University Research Associate 1

Field of Expertise:  Marine Natural Products, Product Research and Development

Educational attainment:  BS Fisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, PhD in Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, South Korea Seafood Science and Technology

Contact Information: gnpalmos1@up.edu.ph

Ms. Mercy B. Quilantang

University Research Associate 1

Field of Expertise:  “Product Development for Milkfish and Low Value species Marine Toxin, Water Quality Assessment ” “Fish Protein Hydrolysate from Fish Processing By-products Handling and Product Development for Catfish”

Educational attainment:  University Research Associate 1 BS Fisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, MS Aquaculture, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, PhD in Fisheries (on Dissertation report writing), University of the Philippines Visayas

Contact Information: mbquilantang@up.edu.ph

LABORATORY & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Mr. Enrique N. Legaspi III

Administrative Officer IV

Assists the Institute Director in the implementation of the University and Institute policies and activities.

Ms. Rosana G. Alama

Laboratory Technician II

In-charge of the Seafood Processing Laboratory

Educational attainment:  BS Fisheries Education, Aklan State Univesity, Aklan, Philippines, M Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo, Philippines

Ms. Felicitas E. capistrano

Administrative Assistant II

In- charge of the processing of documents re finances and expenditures of IFPT and research projects of IFPT

Educational attainment:  BS Commerce (Accounting), San Nicolas University, Surigao City, MM Business Management (units), University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

Mr. Joseph Alberto G. Eclar

Administrative Assistant II

Maintains, services and repairs airconditioning units and other cooling appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, coolers and drinking fountains

Educational attainment: Radio Mechanic Electricity, West Visayas College of Science and Technology, Iloilo, Philippines

Mr. Rey M. Eclarinal

Administrative Aide IV

Assist in the clerical works & other activities of the Institute including driving of the official vehicle

Educational attainment: Diploma in Automotive Technology, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines

Engr. Jonathan F. Galorport

Engineer III

Supervises the Repair & Maintenance of  all facilities and equipment of the Institute

Educational attainment: BS Mechanical Engineering, University of San Agustin, Iloilo, Philippines

Mr. Angelo F. Gamboa

Marine Engineman I

Operates and maintains Institute’s facilities and equipment in Seafood Processing Plant, Fisheries Chemistry Laboratory, Fisheries Microbiology Laboratory and Seafood Processing Laboratory

Educational attainment:  Associate in Marine Engineering

Ms. Reysyl Caroline B. Garferio

Laboratory Technician II

In-charge of the Fisheries Microbiology Laboratory

Educational attainment:  BS Fisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas, MS Fisheries, University of the Philippines Visayas (Candidate)

MS. Edna N. Monreal

Laboratory Technician II

In-charge of the Fisheries Chemistry Laboratory including the Analytical Services Laboratory

Educational attainment:  BS Chemistry, University of San Agustin, Iloilo, Philippines

Mr. Edgar S, Nuevaespaña

Administrative Aide IV

Driver/messenger of the Institute

Educational attainment: Marine engineering (2 yr course)

Mr. Jilson F. Nuevaespaña

Administrative Aide VI

Assists in the academic activities of the Institute; Philippine Fisheries Network, Inc., PhilFIN Support Staff

Educational attainment: BS Commerce major in Management ; 12 units in Master in Management, UP Visayas, Iloilo City

Mr. Michael G. Occeña

Administrative Assistant III

Operates, repairs, and  maintains the Institute’s facilities and equipment; assists in the IGP of the Institute

Educational attainment: Associate in Marine Engineering, Western Institute of Technology, Iloilo, Philippines

Ms. Mary Ann G. Serrano

Aquacultural Technician II

Assists in the academic, research and public service activities of the institute Plans, conducts and manages IGPs of the institute

Educational attainment:  BS Fisheries (Fisheries Business Management), University of the Philippines Visayas, MM Business Management, University of the Philippines Visayas

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

The institute has a diverse line of fish processing facilities that include the Seafood Processing Plant (SPP) and Seafood Processing Laboratory (SPL), with associated facilities including solar drying and shellfish depuration facilities. These facilities contain the essential equipment needed for various fish processing technologies like canning/bottling and smoking, as well as drying and development of value-added products. The institute also has a Fisheries Microbiology Laboratory (FML) and Fisheries Chemistry Laboratory (FCL) equipped with basic and modern instruments for instruction, research, and technical training purposes. Allied facilities of the institute include a library, conference room, faculty and researchers lounge, and rooms for research assistants and graduate students.
SEAFOOD PROCESSING PLANT (SPP)
SEAFOOD PROCESSING LABORATORY (SPL)
FISHERIES MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY (FML)
FISHERIES CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (FCL)
LIBRARY
SHELLFISH DEPURATION FACILITY
SOLAR DRYING FACILITY