UPV-CFOS conducts policy brief writing workshop

The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) conducted a two-day training-workshop on writing/developing Science and policy briefs for mollusk projects last July 25-26, 2022.

The workshop was attended by faculty members and Research Extension and Professional Staff (REPS) from the College who are involved in the implementation of the mollusk projects.

It was aimed to improve and enhance the skills of the CFOS faculty members and REPS in conceptualizing, formulating, and writing Science and policy briefs. The activity was also intended for government decision-makers, agencies, and other institutions that may have an impact on policy directions, especially in relation to issues of national concern.

A policy brief is a document that gives an overview of a particular issue and relevant policy recommendations and options. Moreover, a science brief is meant to raise level of awareness of stakeholders through Science.

The CFOS has completed three research projects that developed technologies to help the mussel industry in the country.

Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), these projects are the mussel hatchery and nursery, grow-out, and post-harvest technologies.

These researches have generated significant findings and developed technologies to produce safe, quality, cultured, and processed mussel products.

To assist the participants in crafting research-based policy and Science briefs on these projects, Asst. Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla, a faculty member of the Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS), CFOS and expert in formulating science and policy briefs writing, served as the resource person.

Bercilla introduced tips and important elements to consider in developing policy briefs that will translate the results of their researches into simple words that can be easily understood and appreciated by the stakeholders and policymakers.

The College plans to provide copies of the mollusks science and policy briefs developed to concerned local government units and target government agencies that govern the said commodity.

The initiative was organized by the IFPDS in partnership with the CFOS Public Service Program Office. (Lenilyn B. Gallos with sources from CFOS-IFPDS)