Our Team
Chemical Oceanography (ChemOCE) Laboratory
Meet the people of ChemOCE laboratory, from marine scientists to research assistants and marine science students
The ChemOCE Team
The Chemical Oceanography Laboratories is a research group at University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute, dedicated to understanding the chemistry of the ocean and its integrative role in overall ocean health.
Led by Dr. Charissa M. Ferrera, we conduct studies on nutrient cycling, ocean acidification, and the effects of human activities on coastal waters.
Our team includes researchers, graduate students, and technical staff working collaboratively to advance marine science.
Our Mission
To enhance the understanding of Philippine marine environments through innovative chemical oceanography research, providing scientific insights that support environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Our Vision
To be a premier center for marine chemistry research in the Philippines, producing high-impact studies and contributing to science-based policies for ocean conservation.
Research & Other Activities
Projects
Current and recently completed programmes run by the laboratories and their partners.
Supporting our seas through automated and integrated networks (SUSTAIN)
2024 – 2027 · Strengthening ocean observation and management of risks to coastal ecosystems
Circular Explorer Project
September 2023 – December 2025 · with Holcim
Manila Bay: Cumulative Impact Assessment
December 2023 – November 2025 · DENR–MB CIA
RE-INVEST: Resource Inventory and Assessment of the West Philippine Sea
April 2022 – December 2025 · Resource Inventory, Valuation and Policy in Ecosystem Services under Threat, Project 1
Porites sp Boron Isotope Records on West Pacific Ocean Acidification Rates
September 2022 – August 2025
Development of a Tropical Ecosystem Health Score Card
July 2022 – June 2025
Philippine Coastal Assessment for Sustainability and Transformation (PhilCOAST)
July 2021 – October 2024
iBlood — Biomedical Innovation Research and Development Infrastructure and Capacity Building Program
January 2021 – March 2024
Meet the Team
Principal Investigator & Senior Scientists
Dr. Charissa M. Ferrera
Principal Investigator
Chemical Oceanography Laboratories
Dr. Gil S. Jacinto
NAST Academician
Marine Chemistry and Pollution Laboratory (1976–2022)
Dr. Maria Lourdes San Diego-McGlone
Professor Emeritus
Marine Biogeochemistry Laboratory
Research Staff & Associates
Jherome L. Co, R.Ch.
University Research Associate
UP MSI Pollution Control Officer · In-house projects and the GOA-ON project
Kristel Joyce T. Occeña, R.Ch.
Research Associate
DENR — Manila Bay Cumulative Impact Assessment
John Darryl B. Lagdameo, R.Ch.
Research Associate
Holcim — Circular Explorer Project
Keane Andre M. Escobar, R.Ch.
Research Associate
DOST — SUSTAIN Program
Marilyn Dayao
Laboratory Technician
RE-INVEST West Philippine Sea
Current Undergraduate & Graduate Students
Aces Joseph L. San Pedro, R.Ch.
Ph.D. in Marine Science
Interest: Organic alkalinity
Jherome L. Co, R.Ch.
M.Sc. in Marine Science
Interest:
Valerie D. Culis, R.Ch.
M.Sc. in Marine Science
Interest:
John Darryl B. Lagdameo, R.Ch.
M.Sc. in Marine Science
Interest:
Kristel Joyce T. Occeña, R.Ch.
M.Sc. in Marine Science
Interest: Carbonate chemistry of Philippine marginal seas
Keane Andre M. Escobar, R.Ch.
M.Sc. in Marine Science
Interest:
Essie Natividad
BS Chemistry
Interest: Spatiotemporal Variability of Water Quality and Carbonate Chemistry of Coral Restoration Sites at Quezon
Current Undergraduate & Graduate Students
Dr. Iris D. S. Orizar
Post Doctoral Researcher (Senior Research Specialist)
Resource Inventory, Valuation, and Policy in Ecosystem Services Under Threat (RE-INVEST)
Resource inventory and assessment of the West Philippine Sea (2024 – 2025)
Senior Lecturer, Chemistry of Marine Coastal Environments (AY 2024-2025)
Resource inventory and assessment of the West Philippine Sea (2024 – 2025)
Senior Lecturer, Chemistry of Marine Coastal Environments (AY 2024-2025)
Jay C. Bruce
Lab Technician
Resource Inventory, Valuation, and Policy in Ecosystem Services Under Threat (RE-INVEST)
Resource inventory and assessment of the West Philippine Sea (2022(?) – 2025)
Raffi R. Isah, R.Ch., M.Sc.
Research Associate | Alumnus
Resource Inventory, Valuation, and Policy in Ecosystem Services Under Threat (RE-INVEST)
Resource inventory and assessment of the West Philippine Sea (2022(?) – 2025)
Mellinda Aimee Jajalla, M.Sc.
M.Sc. in Marine Science
Holcim – Circular Explorer Project
Rica Allana G. Tavita, R.Ch.
M.Sc. in Materials Science & Engineering
iBlood
Celestine Marie Dalida
Chief Operations Officer
Wovoka
Current Undergraduate & Graduate Students
Lara P. Sotto, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Thesis: “Understanding the dynamics of hypoxia and eutrophication in Manila Bay, Philippines through hydrodynamic, water quality, and watershed modeling”
Iris Orizar, Ph.D.
M.Sc. Thesis: “Toxin production of Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum (Böhm) Tester & Taylor exposed to other Dinophyceae and toxin removal using ball clay powder”
Ma. Teresa L. Escobar, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Thesis:
Maria Isabel Senal, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Thesis:
Charissa M. Ferrera, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Thesis:
Timothy Glenn Iringan, M.Sc.
M.Sc. Thesis: “Estimation of Tropical West Pacific Ocean Acidification Rates from Porites sp. Calcifying Fluid Chemistry”
Raffi Isah, M.Sc.
M.Sc. Thesis:
Margie Rose H. Carreon, M.Sc.
M.Sc. Thesis: “The use of artificial mussels to assess trace metals in Manila Bay”
Mikhael Clotilde Tañedo, M.Sc.
M.Sc. Thesis:
Mary Chris T. Lagumen, M.Sc.
M.Sc. Thesis:
Ivy Monpon, M.Sc.
M.Sc. Thesis:
Larry Padilla, M.Sc.
M.Sc. Thesis: