With oysters and mussels among the top aquaculture commodities in Western Visayas, ensuring their safety from Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) is critical to protect the fish farmers and safeguard public health. To proactively address this, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VI (DA-BFAR 6) held a three-day capability-building training from April 28 to 30, 2025, in Iloilo City. The training gathered the Bureau’s personnel from across the region and representatives from provincial agriculture offices to refresh their knowledge and skills in HAB monitoring and management. Joel Abalayan, Chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, in his message cited a recent HAB incident in Capiz and pointed out the need for better communication to the farmers and the general public. “This is not just BFAR’s job, LGUs also have a key role to play,” Abalayan added, calling for stronger collaboration between local governments and DA-BFAR in responding to HAB threats. Leni Abagon, laboratory manager of the region’s Fisheries Integrated Laboratory Section, welcomed participants and walked them through the training goals. Over the course of the activity, participants learned the science behind HAB, how to collect and process water samples, and how to identify harmful phytoplankton species. Experts including Paul Bryan Karlo Cudia, Alvin Awatin, and Resie Hembra from the Central Office led in-depth discussions on shellfish toxins, sampling protocols, and phytoplankton taxonomy. The team also introduced the Interactive Map, where HAB data can be inputted for faster response and monitoring. Participants also went on a field visit to Dumangas, Iloilo, where they collected water samples from a mangrove area and practiced using plankton nets and laboratory tools. In her closing remarks, Ms. Jessica Esmao reminded the group of their greater mission. “Local government units are vital partners in ensuring the safety and quality of our shellfish. Let’s take what we’ve learned and create a ripple effect, one that leads to safer, more sustainable shellfish production in our communities,” she said. In Western Visayas, there are various HAB monitoring sites including coastal waters of Balasan, Tarong in Bancal Bay, Carles, Gigantes Island Carles, Concepcion, Dumangas, Estancia, and Borongon, San Dionisio in Iloilo; Tigbao River (Makato), Navitas River (Numancia) and Palay River (Batan) in Aklan, Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; and Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan); Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan; Pontevedra; Panay; Pilar; Roxas City and President Roxas in Capiz; E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, and Victorias City in Negros Occidental. ###CRSiva, RJSenangote #BFAR6 #HAB #HarmfulAlgalBlooms #shellfish