Continuous learning and professional growth are keys to staying at the forefront of marine and aquatic research. Recognizing the value of broadening perspectives, the Q-quatics Lecture Series was launched on January 2025 to provide staff with insights into global developments, innovative research, and emerging trends across various disciplines.
This initiative stems from a collective desire to understand what’s happening beyond our immediate work—learning from experts, exploring new ideas, and fostering discussions that can enrich our approaches. By engaging with thought leaders from different fields, the series aims to enhance professional development and provide well-rounded exposure to topics that impact our work and the broader scientific community.
The inaugural lecture, featuring Dr. Abdul Abiad of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), set the stage for this knowledge-sharing platform, sparking discussions on macroeconomic policies, environmental sustainability, and potential collaborations.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring thought-provoking topics and expert insights to the Q-quatics Lecture Series!
Lecture 1: ‘Trump 2.0 Policies and the Implications for the Regional and Global Macroeconomic Outlook’ with Dr. Abdul Abiad, Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Macroeconomics Research Division, Economic Research and Development Impact Department
On January 30, 2025, Q-quatics had the privilege of hosting Dr. Abdul Abiad, Macroeconomics Research Director of ADB at IRRI Los Baños, Laguna for the inaugural session of the Q-quatics Lecture Series. His presentation provided valuable insights into ADB’s key focus areas, including macroeconomic trends and adaptation strategies to climate change.
Dr. Valeriane Pede, head of the Transformative Policies and Investments Unit of the IRRI Sustainable Impact through Rice-Based Systems (SIRS) Department, and his colleague Dr. Shyam Basnet, were also present and played an active role in the discussions.
The session fostered knowledge exchange and discussions on potential collaborations. Dr. Abiad emphasized the significance of integrating environmental considerations into ADB’s initiatives, particularly the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss, and expressed interest in how Q-quatics could contribute to measuring biodiversity loss—both in the past and prospectively.
Building on these discussions, Q-quatics was invited to present at the ADB ERDI Seminar Series on March 12, 2025. Dr. Maria Lourdes ‘Deng’ Palomares, Senior Scientist and Project Manager of the Sea Around Us, and Ms. Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Reyes, AquaMaps Theme Lead at Q-quatics, became the key speakers on “Databases for Biodiversity: Exploring FishBase, SeaLifeBase, AquaMaps, and Sea Around Us“. The presentation introduced a suite of biodiversity databases that can help assess changes in biodiversity, identify critical habitats and vulnerable species, and project future scenarios using tools like AquaMaps.
This ongoing dialogue underscores the growing intersection of macroeconomic policies and environmental sustainability, highlighting the critical need to address the climate and biodiversity crises in shaping informed policy decisions.
Lecture 2: “Ethical Reputation Management” with Mr. Facundo ‘Ding’ Roco
Mr. Facundo ‘Ding’ Roco, a seasoned journalist, public relations expert, and corporate social responsibility leader shared his expertise on external affairs and ethical reputation management with the Q-quatics Team and representatives from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) on March 7, 2025, at IRRI Los Baños, Laguna.
From his early career in journalism at The Manila Times (pre-martial law) to his leadership roles in Shell, Mr. Roco played a pivotal role in public affairs and CSR initiatives. As Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., he was instrumental in the success of the Malampaya Deepwater Gas to Power Project, earning global recognition from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the International Chamber of Commerce in 2002. Throughout his career, Ding remained dedicated to public service, championing electoral reform through NAMFREL and advocating for sustainable development.
His contributions extended beyond the corporate world, as he founded and led key environmental and social development organizations, including the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and the Malampaya Foundation. A true communications leader, his expertise bridges industries, public engagement, and conservation efforts.
In his talk, Mr. Roco guided the Q-quatics and ACB participants through the public affairs process, emphasizing the importance of responsible communication, relationship management, social investment, social development initiatives, and crisis management. His powerful message, shaped by his personal journey as a survivor of polio and COVID-19, inspired the audience to embrace resilience and proactive engagement in their own fields. His unwavering commitment to social development has undoubtedly left a profound and lasting impact on all who attended.
