Third Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium Banner
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October 21-23, 2026
Batangas City, Philippines
Batangas State University
The National Engineering University

Symposium Countdown

About the Conference

The Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium is organized through a rotational hosting arrangement among forty-eight (48) state colleges and universities offering Fisheries programs. This approach promotes national collaboration and encourages wider regional participation in fisheries research, education, and policy dialogue.

The First Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium, held on October 16–18, 2024, was hosted by the University of the Philippines Visayas, a leading institution in marine and fisheries research in the Philippines. The Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium, held on October 21–23, 2025, was subsequently hosted by Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Mindanao, expanding the symposium’s reach and engagement with stakeholders from the southern Philippines.

These venues provided important platforms for bringing together researchers, policymakers, fisheries practitioners, and representatives of small-scale fishing communities to exchange knowledge, share research findings, and discuss strategies for strengthening the sustainability and governance of small-scale fisheries in the country.

Continuing this collaborative tradition, the Third Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium will be hosted by Batangas State University in Batangas City, Luzon, on October 21–23, 2026, further strengthening nationwide participation and fostering continued dialogue among fisheries stakeholders and academic institutions.

The first two Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposia established a clear national consensus: that small-scale fisheries (SSF) are too vital to ignore, and that the country must move from recognition to sustained action. Across many coastal communities, community-based and co-management fisheries initiatives have already demonstrated measurable gains in resource recovery, local governance, gender inclusion, and livelihood diversification.

However, these successful models often remain localized, fragmented, and insufficiently documented, limiting their potential for wider replication and policy integration.

Anchored on the theme “From Action to Replication: Scaling Up and Deepening the Impact of Small-Scale Fisheries,” the Third Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium seeks to advance the discourse from isolated success stories toward systematic scaling, adaptation, and institutionalization of proven practices.

The symposium is guided by a central question: How can effective small-scale fisheries initiatives be replicated and scaled to generate sustainable, inclusive, and long-term impact across Philippine coastal communities?

By convening stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and fisher organizations, the symposium aims to catalyze evidence-based dialogue, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and identify strategic pathways for translating local innovations into nationally relevant solutions that reinforce resilient coastal livelihoods and sustainable fisheries governance.

By hosting the 2026 Third PSSFNS, Batangas State University – The National Engineering University strengthens its leadership in sustainability, community-based research, and its longstanding engagement with small-scale fishing communities in the Philippines.

This initiative aligns with:

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To provide a national platform that advances evidence-based, scalable, and replicable initiatives in small-scale fisheries (SSF), aimed at deepening socio-ecological resilience, inclusive governance, and sustainable coastal development in the Philippines.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

  1. To bring together the different small-scale fisheries stakeholders, including fishers, researchers, policymakers, local government units, civil society organizations, private sector actors, artists, youth leaders, and development partners, to strengthen collaboration and shared learning;
  2. To share the latest achievements, innovations, and lessons learned in scaling up and replicating best practices in small-scale fisheries management, governance, livelihood diversification, post-harvest development, climate resilience, gender inclusion, and community empowerment;
  3. To critically examine emerging issues, gaps, and concerns that influence the replication and sustainability of successful SSF interventions at local, regional, and national levels;
  4. To facilitate structured knowledge exchange through plenary sessions, special plenary sessions, parallel sessions, special parallel sessions, poster presentation competitions, and oral speed competitions aligned with the symposium’s thematic areas;
  5. To provide a platform for student engagement, innovation, and the enhancement of creativity through oral speed competitions, student arts competitions, and fishing for solution that highlight emerging perspectives, critical thinking, and future leadership in small-scale fisheries; and
  6. To generate actionable recommendations and strategic directions that can inform national and local fisheries governance, development planning, and multi-sectoral partnerships.

Announcement

To be updated soon

About Us

Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines, also known as the National Consortium for Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development, is a national academic and research network that advances knowledge, collaboration, advocacy, and policy engagement on small-scale fisheries in the Philippines. It supports interdisciplinary research, community-based initiatives, and stakeholder partnerships aimed at strengthening the visibility, viability, and sustainability of small-scale fishing communities.

It serves as the Philippine hub of the broader Too Big To Ignore Global network, an international research and knowledge-mobilization partnership that recognizes the critical role of small-scale fisheries in food security, livelihood generation, coastal community resilience, cultural identity, and sustainable aquatic resource governance.

Main Organizer

Batangas State University (BatStateU), officially designated as the Philippines’ National Engineering University by virtue of Republic Act No. 11694, stands as the country’s largest engineering institution with over 64,000 students across 12 campuses in CALABARZON. Boasting a 120-year legacy, this Level IV, ISO 9001:2015 certified state university is globally recognized for its academic excellence, holding prestigious ABET accreditations for its engineering, computer science, and information technology programs, alongside multiple CHED Centers of Excellence and Development. Beyond engineering, BatStateU serves as a vital economic and innovation hub, hosting the country's first PEZA-registered Knowledge, Innovation, and Science Technology (KIST) Park and various regional research centers. Strongly committed to the 2030 Global Goals, the university actively integrates environmental stewardship through its Center for Sustainable Development—earning it a spot as the 239th World's Most Sustainable University in the 2025 UI GreenMetric rankings—while simultaneously securing high marks in the 2025 WURI and THE Impact Rankings as a premier institution developing tomorrow's leaders for the global knowledge economy.

Co-Organizers
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Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines – The National Consortium for Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development.

SUCs LOGOS

Partner State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) – In active collaboration with leading regional state universities and consortium members dedicated to advancing small-scale fisheries research, community governance, and strategic academic development across the Philippines.

Partners & Sponsors

Sponsors & Exhibitors

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Key Dates

Date Activities
June 15, 2026 Call for Abstracts (Scientific and Arts Sessions; Student Oral and Poster Competitions)
Call for Entries for the Student Competitions (Vlogs for SSF, Fishing for Solutions)
Call for Entries in the Marketplace/Exhibits
Call for Partners and Sponsors
July 31, 2026 Deadline for Abstract Submission (Scientific and Arts Sessions; Student Competitions)
August 15, 2026 Release of Results of Abstract Submission (Scientific and Arts Sessions; Student Competitions)
September 15, 2026 Deadline for Registration of Presenters and Competition Participants
October 2, 2026 Deadline for Registration of Non-Presenters
October 4, 2026 Deadline of Competition Submission (Vlogs for SSF, Fishing for Solutions, Oral Speed Presentation, Poster Presentation)
October 21, 2026 Start of Symposium Proper

Program Overview

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Presentation Guidelines

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Speakers

TO BE UPDATED SOON

Symposium Themes

Authors and practitioners are highly encouraged to map their conceptual summaries to the following purely scientific and technical core tracks. Abstracts are welcome even if your topic does not fit neatly into one of the session themes below:

Please do not hesitate to submit your abstract to PSSFNS 3, even if your topic does not fit neatly into one of the scientific session themes listed above.

Abstract Submission

Abstract Submission Guidelines

The Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS 3) welcomes the submission of abstracts for papers for individual presentation in scientific oral and poster sessions/competitions.

This is open to anyone interested in presenting work done in small-scale fisheries under regular concurrent sessions as an oral presentation or as poster presentation, or as an entry to student oral speed presentation competition or student poster presentation competition.

Presentation Categories

Student Competition Eligibility & Links

Only student research finished during the last three school years (2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026) qualify for the competitions. Students accepted to join the oral speed presentation and/or the poster presentation competition shall submit proof of being a student during the conduct of the research such as: See more details on student competition through these links: student oral speed presentation competition and student poster presentation competition.

All presentations in concurrent sessions will be carefully managed by session chairs. Additional guidelines will be sent to the corresponding author of the accepted abstracts.

*Only accepted abstracts of symposium-registered authors will be included in the Book of Abstracts and Souvenir Program, and allowed presentation.

Important Dates

Date Activity
31 July 2026 Deadline for submission of abstracts (23:59, The Philippines Time, UTC+8)
15 August 2026 Notifications for accepted papers and sessions will be sent out not later than this date
15 September 2026 Deadline for Authors of accepted abstracts to register for the symposium AND deadline for Final abstracts submission for inclusion in the symposium’s Book of Abstracts and Souvenir Program
04 October 2026 Deadline for all student competition entries (Video, Script, and Digital Poster)
14 October 2026 Deadline for regular presentation materials

All abstracts will undergo a review by the committee assigned to the session under which the abstract was submitted.

All student competition entries and regular presentation materials must be emailed to: info.pssfns3@g.batstate-u.edu.ph

Scientific Session Themes

Please do not hesitate to submit your abstract to PSSFNS3, even if your topic does not fit neatly into one of the session themes above.
Download Individual Presentation Abstract Template Access Submission Portal

Competition Guidelines

The Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS 3) implements four official student competition categories. All submissions must strictly follow the prescribed guidelines below.

STUDENT ORAL SPEED PRESENTATION COMPETITION GUIDELINES
(Graduate and Undergraduate Categories)

Abstract Submission and Eligibility

The competition is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Interested students who wish to participate in the competition must submit an abstract in accordance with the prescribed Abstract Submission Guidelines, including the stated eligibility requirements. Submitted abstracts will be evaluated by the Student Oral Speed Presentation Competition Committee. Corresponding and/or presenting authors will be notified on August 15, 2026 whether their entries have qualified for the competition.

Registration

Accepted entries for the competition must register for the Symposium not later than September 15, 2026.

Submission of Prerecorded Video and Script

Accepted entries shall be required to submit a five-minute prerecorded video and the script of the presentation on or before October 4, 2026.

Competition Mechanics

  1. The prerecorded video must show both the presenter and the presentation slide/s. Presenters may use one static slide or a maximum of five slides.
  2. Slide numbers must be indicated at the lower right corner of each slide following the format: Page x of y.
  3. Each presentation must run for a maximum of five minutes. A point deduction shall be imposed for every five seconds in excess of the prescribed time limit.
  4. Scientific presentations must be delivered in English. Presentations in the form of songs, poems, dramatic performances, or other creative formats shall not be allowed.
  5. Fancy slide transitions, animations, and GIFs of any form are not allowed. Slide 1 must contain the title of the presentation and must be shown at the beginning of the video.
  6. Background music, sound effects, and video clips are not permitted.
  7. Additional instructions shall be provided to the authors of accepted abstracts.

Informed Consent

Consent from all collaborators must be secured prior to the submission of entries for the competition. Submission of an entry to the Student Oral Speed Presentation Competition grants permission to the organizers of the Third Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS 3) to use the abstract, prerecorded video, images, and other related materials for the Symposium website, official social media platforms, mainstream media releases, symposium e-publications, printed materials, and other venues or platforms deemed necessary by the organizers.

Judging Criteria

CriteriaPercentage
Originality and creativity25%
Organization and logical presentation of ideas25%
Oral presentation and delivery25%
Neatness and clarity of presentation slides10%
Q&A Session: Ability to answer questions15%
Total100%

Announcement of Winners

Winners will be announced during the Closing Ceremony on October 23, 2026.

Prizes

  • Three winners shall be selected for each category:
  • Best Student Oral Presenter - Undergraduate Category: Php 7,000 each
  • Best Student Oral Presenter - Graduate Category: Php 7,000 each

Certificates of Recognition shall be awarded to all major winners and their advisers. Certificates of Participation shall also be given to all participating entries in the competition.

Note For the competition to proceed, a minimum of six qualified submissions must be received per category.

STUDENT POSTER PRESENTATION COMPETITION GUIDELINES
(Graduate and Undergraduate Categories)

Abstract Submission and Eligibility

The competition is open to both graduate and undergraduate students. Interested students who wish to participate in the competition must submit an abstract in accordance with the prescribed Abstract Submission Guidelines, including the stated eligibility requirements. Submitted abstracts will be evaluated by the Student Poster Presentation Competition Committee. Corresponding and/or presenting authors will be notified on August 15, 2026 whether their entries have qualified for the competition.

Registration

Accepted entries for the competition must register for the Symposium not later than September 15, 2026.

Submission of Digital Poster

Accepted entries shall be required to submit a one-page digital poster on or before October 4, 2026.

Competition Mechanics

  1. The poster must include the following sections:
  • Title
  • Name/s of author/s and affiliated organization/s
  • Introduction, including background and research objectives
  • Materials and Methods
  • Results, including tables, graphs, charts, or other appropriate visual representations
  • Conclusions and Recommendations
  • References
  • Acknowledgment
  1. Participants are reminded to use proper citation and attribution when using images, figures, tables, or other materials from external sources.
  2. Additional instructions shall be provided to the authors of accepted abstracts.

Informed Consent

Consent from all collaborators must be secured prior to the submission of entries for the competition. Submission of an entry to the Student Poster Presentation Competition grants permission to the organizers of the Third Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS 3) to use the abstract, digital poster, images, and other related materials for the Symposium website, official social media platforms, mainstream media releases, symposium e-publications, printed materials, and other venues or platforms deemed necessary by the organizers.

Judging Criteria

CriteriaPercentage
Scholarly content35%
Quality of poster appearance and presentation35%
Overall impression and significance of the research15%
Q&A Session: ability to answer questions15%
Total100%

Announcement of Winners

Winners will be announced during the Closing Ceremony on October 23, 2026.

Prizes

  • Best Student Poster Presenter - Undergraduate Category: Php 7,000 each
  • Best Student Poster Presenter - Graduate Category: Php 7,000 each

Certificates of Recognition shall be awarded to all major winners and their advisers. Certificates of Participation shall also be given to all participating entries in the competition.

Note

For the competition to proceed, a minimum of six qualified submissions must be received per category.

STUDENT VLOG COMPETITION GUIDELINES
(Graduate and Undergraduate Categories)

Documenting Small Stories with Big Impact

Theme of the Competition Small-Scale Fisheries as a Way of Life

Sub-Themes

  • Bright Spots - highlighting the importance, contributions, strengths, and inspiring practices in small-scale fisheries
  • Hope Spots - highlighting the challenges, needs, aspirations, and possibilities for improving small-scale fisheries

Eligibility

The competition is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are 18 years old and above. Each entry may be submitted by an individual student or by a team composed of a maximum of three members.

Abstract Submission

Interested participants must submit an abstract of their proposed vlog idea related to the competition theme on or before August 15, 2026 at 23:59 Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8). The prescribed abstract template must be used. Participants must also indicate the selected sub-theme, either Bright Spot or Hope Spot.

The abstract may be written in English or Filipino. It must be prepared on one page only, using standard A4 paper in portrait orientation. Margins must be set at one inch on all sides. The abstract must use Arial, 12-point font, with 1.5 line spacing. Paragraphs must be separated by a blank line and should not be indented.

The abstract must be saved and submitted in MS Word format. The filename should follow this format: SSF Student Vlog_Surname of Corresponding Author_First Three Words of the Vlog Title

Example: SSF Student Vlog_DelaCruz_Life by the Sea

Submission of Vlog Entries

Authors of accepted abstracts shall submit their final vlog entries to the symposium organizer on or before October 4, 2026.

Registration

Authors and team members of accepted vlog entries must register for the Symposium not later than September 15, 2026.

Viewing of Entries

All qualified vlog entries will be made available for viewing during the Symposium.

Judging Criteria

ComponentPercentage
Abstract30%
Vlog Entry70%
Total100%

Announcement of Winners

Winners will be announced during the Closing Ceremony on October 23, 2026.

Prizes

  • Three winning entries shall be declared for the Hope Spot category:
  • First Place: Php 10,000
  • Second Place: Php 8,000
  • Third Place: Php 5,000
  • Three winning entries shall also be declared for the Bright Spot category:
  • First Place: Php 10,000
  • Second Place: Php 8,000
  • Third Place: Php 5,000

Certificates of Recognition shall be awarded to the major winners and their advisers. Certificates of Participation shall be given to all registered competing entries.

Note For the competition to proceed, a minimum of six qualified submissions must be received per category.

Download Vlog for SSF Abstract Template

FISHING FOR SOLUTIONS COMPETITION GUIDELINES
(Graduate and Undergraduate Categories)

Eligibility

The competition is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are 18 years old and above. Each team must be composed of three (3) to five (5) members and must have one faculty mentor.

Abstract Submission

Interested participants must submit an abstract of their proposed idea or solution addressing any gap, issue, or problem related to the theme of the Symposium. Abstracts must be submitted through the abstract submission portal on the Symposium website on or before July 31, 2026 at 23:59 Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8).

The abstract must contain the following information:

  • Title, with a maximum of 25 words, written in bold capital letters using 14-point Arial font; scientific names, where applicable, must be italicized
  • Name/s of author/s, written in 12-point Arial font
  • Institutional affiliation/s, written in 10-point Arial font
  • Name of the presenting author, written in bold letters
  • Email address of the corresponding and/or presenting author
  • Abstract of not more than 300 words, following the prescribed abstract template
  • Three to five keywords

The prescribed abstract template must be used. Abstracts must be written in English, the official language of the Symposium. The abstract must be prepared on one page only, using standard A4 paper in portrait orientation. Margins must be set at one inch on all sides. The text must use 12-point Arial font with 1.15 line spacing. Paragraphs must be separated by a blank line and should not be indented.

The abstract must be saved and submitted in MS Word format. The filename should follow this format: Fishing for Solutions_Surname of Corresponding Author_First Three Words of Abstract Title

Example:

Fishing for Solutions_DelaCruz_Sustainable Gear Innovation

The Fishing for Solutions Competition Committee shall evaluate submitted abstracts based on technical merit and relevance to the Symposium theme. The decision of the said Committee shall be final and non-negotiable.

Authors who submitted abstracts for the Fishing for Solutions Competition will be notified on or before August 15, 2026 whether their abstracts have been accepted.

Registration

Authors and team members of accepted entries must register for the Symposium not later than September 15, 2026. Registration is required for the official inclusion of the entry in the competition.

Submission of Prerecorded Video and Script

Authors of accepted abstracts shall submit a 15-minute prerecorded video and the script of their presentation to the Symposium organizer on or before October 4, 2026. Detailed guidelines on video and script submission shall be provided to the authors of accepted abstracts.

Informed Consent

Consent from all collaborators, participants, and individuals appearing in the video must be secured prior to the submission of entries for the competition. Submission of an entry to the Fishing for Solutions Competition grants permission to the organizers of the Third Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS 3) to use the abstract, video, images, and other related materials for the Symposium website, official social media platforms, mainstream media releases, symposium e-publications, printed materials, and other venues or platforms deemed necessary by the organizers.

Judging Criteria

CriteriaPercentage
Clarity of the problem presented25%
Clarity and soundness of the proposed solution process25%
Workability and feasibility of the proposed solution25%
Potential impact of the proposed solution when implemented25%
Total100%

Announcement of Winners

Winners will be announced during the Closing Ceremony on October 23, 2026.

Prizes

  • First Place: Php 10,000
  • Second Place: Php 8,000
  • Third Place: Php 5,000

Certificates of Recognition shall be awarded to the three major winners and their faculty mentors. Certificates of Participation shall be given to all competing entries.

Note

For the competition to proceed, a minimum of six qualified submissions must be received.

Download Fishing for Solutions Abstract Template

Registration Guidelines

All attendees, presenters, and competition participants should officially register for the PSSFNS1.

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fees for the PSSFNS3 are shown below. This will entitle registrants admission to the symposium, chance to present work, chance to network, Certificate of Recognition for presentation, Certificate of Participation, e-copy of Book of Abstract, e-copy of the Symposium Souvenir Program, e-copy of the Symposium Proceedings, meals and snacks during the symposium proper, and welcome dinner.

TBTI Member Student

Php 2,500
Valid for verified consortium member institutions

Non-Member Student

Php 3,500
Standard student validation fee

TBTI Member Professional

Php 6,000
Faculty, Researchers, and Practitioners

Non-Member Professional

Php 7,000
Standard professional admission tier

Payment Steps (To Be Updated Soon)

Payment instructions and official registration payment procedures will be updated soon. Please check back for detailed steps regarding how to complete your registration payment for the symposium.

Launch Registration Portal Now

Symposium Committees

To be updated soon

Hotels & Interactive Mapping

Select any hotel below to instantly compute and view the nearest walking/driving navigation route from the main symposium venue at Batangas State University.

Symposium Venue

Batangas State University

Rizal Ave, Batangas City, Luzon

Contacts

Get in Touch

For clarifications, institutional sponsorships, abstract inquiries, or registration verification, reach out to our corresponding helpdesks:

General Inquiries & Registration

Email:info.pssfns3@g.batstate-u.edu.ph

Phone: To be updated soon