Barugo, Leyte — Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR) continued its commitment to strengthening international collaboration through an academic visit to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Barugo, Leyte on April 30, 2026. The visit was conducted as part of a continuing agenda following the previous collaboration meeting with LGU Tolosa. Representing FPK UNAIR, Dr. nat. techn. Muhamad Nur Ghoyatul Amin joined the delegation alongside the Department of Fisheries (DFish) academic team led by Dr. Rizalyn P. Gonzales. The delegation was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Barugo local government on behalf of Hon. Mayor Aron Balais, including Armie C. Elizondo (Labor and Employment Officer III), Judith M. Borrel (Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator), Engr. Ariel B. Gam (Municipal Agriculturist), and Melvin Balais (AT Fisheries).
The meeting focused on discussing ongoing fisheries research initiatives and exploring opportunities to develop programs that could provide direct benefits to coastal communities. Through this collaborative approach, both parties emphasized the importance of integrating academic knowledge with real societal needs, particularly in fisheries and marine resource management. The discussion highlighted how universities and local governments can work together to generate practical, research-based solutions that contribute to sustainable coastal development while improving the welfare of local communities.
One of the primary topics discussed during the meeting was the development of value-added products based on local marine resources, particularly mussel commodities found in Brgy. Canomantag and Brgy. Minuhang. These coastal areas possess significant potential for fisheries-based product innovation that could strengthen the local economy and increase community income. By utilizing research and technological innovation, the development of mussel-based products is expected to improve production efficiency, product quality, and market competitiveness while maintaining sustainable resource management practices.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to encourage responsible consumption and production systems, particularly through the sustainable utilization of local fisheries resources. Academic support from FPK UNAIR and collaborating institutions is expected to play a strategic role in assisting communities with product processing techniques, quality improvement, and downstream development strategies that create long-term economic opportunities. Through this collaboration, fisheries resources are not only viewed as commodities but also as drivers of community-based innovation and sustainable economic growth.
As a follow-up to the meeting, both institutions are currently preparing a joint research proposal focusing on product development and research downstreaming initiatives. This proposal is expected to strengthen the implementation of applied research capable of addressing local challenges while contributing to the advancement of global scientific knowledge. The collaboration also opens opportunities for students and lecturers to participate in broader international research activities, enhancing academic capacity and global competitiveness within the fisheries and marine science sectors.
The visit further demonstrated Universitas Airlangga’s commitment to expanding international partnerships and promoting innovation based on local potential. Through sustainable collaboration between FPK UNAIR, VSU Tolosa, and LGU Barugo, the institutions aim to establish an inclusive, research-driven ecosystem that generates meaningful impacts for coastal communities while supporting sustainable fisheries development.
This initiative is closely aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through international academic collaboration and capacity building, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable utilization of local marine resources, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened cooperation between universities and local governments. The collaboration also reflects the growing role of higher education institutions in bridging scientific research with community empowerment and sustainable development.
Writer: Muhamad Nur Ghoyatul Amin
Editor: FBM
