More Than a Visit, MECOH Strengthens Ties in the Philippines

Laguna, Philippines – From February 8 to 10, 2026, Prof. Kozo Watanabe and MECOH lab member Jomel Limbago visited the Laguna campus of De La Salle University. During the visit, Prof. Watanabe attended student proposal defenses and participated in research meetings to monitor ongoing projects and explore future partnerships. For Jomel, who was visiting DLSU for the first time, the stay included tours of various laboratories and insect breeding facilities, particularly those focused on mosquitoes. He also assisted in setting up Linux systems and installing the necessary software packages for population genomic analyses, with a focus on reduced-representation sequencing approaches. Key DLSU officials present during discussions included Dr. Divina M. Amalin, Dr. Mary Jane C. Flores, Dr. Isagani Janairo, Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal, Dr. Billy Joel Almarinez, and Dr. Karen Lacerna.

From Left: Dr. Billy Joel Almarinez, Jomel Limbago, Dr. Mary Jane C. Flores, Dr. Isagani Janairo, Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal, Prof. Kozo Watanabe

Center: Dr. Divina M. Amalin and Dr. Karen Lacerna with the DLSU group

​Iloilo, Philippines – On February 11–12, 2026, Prof. Watanabe and Jomel continued their visit at ISUFST in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. They were welcomed by senior faculty member Dr. Dennis K. Gomez, who was also Jomel’s undergraduate professor. The MECOH delegation was formally received by University President Dr. Nordy Siason and College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Dean Dr. Rolindo Demo-os. ISUFST hosted a mini-symposium on Aquatic Science, Evolution, and Biodiversity, featuring presentations from both institutions. Prof. Watanabe introduced the MECOH laboratory and discussed the group’s research on antimicrobial resistance, while Jomel presented his work on speciation and adaptation. Following the symposium, the delegation toured ISUFST facilities and learned about the university’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen its research capacity.

From left: Dr. Dennis K. Gomez, Dr. Rolindo B. Demo-os Jr., Dr. Jescel Bito-Onon (Vice President for Administrative Affairs), and Dr. Stephen, and Raymund Jinon (Vice President, Academic Affairs)

​The visit reinforced MECOH’s strong partnership with DLSU and laid a promising foundation for future collaboration with ISUFST. These engagements are expected to foster sustained scientific exchange and joint research initiatives that support the laboratory’s long-term research goals in the Philippines.