Manila, March 28 -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 8 (Eastern Visayas) is stepping up its support to enhance the economic potential of coastal and marine biodiversity in the region as part of its blue economy initiatives.

Being one of the regions in the Visayas Islands that is heavily reliant on the ocean for sustenance and economic prosperity, the department prioritizes implementing initiatives and programs that focus on fisheries, marine transportation, aquaculture, island communities, and tourism, Marilyn Radam, DOST assistant regional director for technical operations, said in an interview Friday.

Radam said they have already crafted a proposal, in coordination with Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and Negros Islan...