MECOH lab hosted a Filipino researcher for training in field sampling, DNA extraction, and mitogenome assembly

​Ms. Rose Angeli Rioja, a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, has recently finished a two-week training program hosted by the MECOH Laboratory. The training, which took place from June 8 to 19, 2026 focused on field sampling of eDNA, DNA extraction and quantification, and sea cucumber mitogenome assembly.
 
Ms. Rioja delivered an introductory seminar on the first week of the training. The seminar provided an overview of the status of sea cucumber research and aquaculture in the Philippines particularly for an emerging culture species Stichopus cf. horrens. Gaps in sea cucumber research in the Philippines were also presented.
 
Laboratory sessions provided Ms. Rioja with practical experience in laboratory workflows. She received hands-on training on DNA extraction and quantification from Asst. Prof. Hamamoto and Ruki Senoo (B4). With guidance from Asst. Prof. Hamamoto, Jomel Limbago (D1) and Jerica Isabel Reyes (D5), she also conducted a preliminary assembly and annotation of the sea cucumber mitogenome. 

​For the field-based training, Ms. Rioja joined the team of Asst. Prof. Kohei Hamamoto and students Moemu Tsukamoto (M1), Ruki Senoo, Daisuke Murakami (B4), and Kan-ei Nakatsu (B4) in collecting eDNA samples across three locations: Ikata (June 9), Kochi (June 16), and Ainan (June 17). This work involved water filtration using Sterivex filters, and water quality monitoring using a multiparameter checker. These were followed by snorkelling activities, wherein sea cucumber species common to both Japan and the Philippines were observed. Sea cucumber species not found  in the Philippines were also observed, particularly in Ainan.

​Aside from field sampling, the team also visited Uwajima Fisheries High School on June 17 to present their current research findings. Asst. Prof. Hamamoto conducted a seminar and demonstrated sample collection using Sterivex filters.This engagement provided students with insights on the utility of eDNA metabarcoding in aquatic research. 

​Overall, the 2-week training served as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and the establishment of professional ties to support future collaborative research. This also served as an opportunity to explore various research methodologies that can be adapted in Philippine sea cucumber research.