The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Marine Environmental Protection Force in Southeastern Mindanao and University of Immaculate Concepcion (UIC) conducted water quality monitoring at Sasa Wharf, Davao City on 07 May 2021.

Said initiative was part of the 'PortEC Project', a multi-sectoral, multi-agency, and multi-regional project to establish baselines for Philippine ports in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The project aims to obtain an all-encompassing baselines by exhaustively looking at marine species present in Philippine ports using ecological, microbiological, and environmental DNA approaches.

PCG personnel assist in the weekly conduct of water quality monitoring in strategic vicinity waters across the country to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of port waters.

The output of the research will guide the PCG and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in policy-making for the efficient and effective implementation of Ballast Water Management Convention and the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.