Board of Trustees 2026
Hildie Maria E. Nacorda, Ph.D.
Chaiman
Michael P. Atrigenio, Ph.D.
President
Maria Josefa R. Pante, Ph.D.
VP/Treasurer
Mary Bernadette B. De Venecia, Ph.D.
Corporate Secretary
Andre Jon Uychiaoco, Ph.D.
Trustee
Severino G. Salmo III, Ph.D.
Trustee
Rene A. Abesamis, Ph.D.
Trustee
The Foundation
The Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc. (MERF or the Foundation) is a
non‐political, non‐stock, and non‐profit organization registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 27, 1991.
MERF was formed:
To promote the development of the marine sciences in the country;
To contribute to the conservation and rational development of the country’s marine resources; and
More specifically,
To enhance the capability of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) in the execution of its mandates.
MERF pursues these goals through the implementation of research, development, and extension programs, which are funded by various local and international funding agencies.
It is uniquely positioned as a support organization to the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute to assist and to expand its scientific foundation for research, conservation, and advancing environmental literacy at the local, national, and regional levels.
By developing tools for assessment and evaluation that promote grassroot conservation actions, it broadens the difference stakeholders' engagement for the protection of marine ecosystems and resources.
MERF, Inc. collaborates with government organizations, local government units, non-government organizations, and private corporations from all sectors and levels, working with them as liaisons for international initiatives and to empower local communities.
The MERF Logo
The PROMINENT WAVE symbolizes progress, integrity and stability of the foundation.
The WAVE's UNINTERRUPTED FLOW symbolizes continuity in the service of marine ecosystems research, monitoring, and evaluation, including marine environmental education, the development of marine scientists and experts and capacity building, and the establishment of meaningful partnerships with various stakeholders.
The HAND-SHAPED figure to the left symbolizes the stewardship of the sea's resources through the responsible management of the marine environmental grants and projects.
The BOAT cupped by the hand-shaped figure symbolizes the marine stakeholders who work for the marine environment; who guars and benefit from its services.
The FISH contour to the right symbolizes the abundance of life beneath our seas which constitutes a focus of our marine research projects.