To our dearest Vice Presidents of the VSU system, the Directors of our ever-growing research units, our dynamic department heads, other members of the University Administrative and Academic Council, the Chancellors of our component campuses in Alangalang, Isabel, Tolosa, and Villaba, and the Deans of the Graduate School and Students, to our alumni who are here and watching us via our live stream, our administrative support staff, beloved students, guests, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon to all of you.

The launching of the first-ever research collaboration of VSU freshwater studies with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), and State Universities and Colleges within Region 8 marks a significant turning point for the university's freshwater research. By the same token, this collaboration is of paramount importance in filling the gaps of knowledge regarding the status and quality of the freshwater ecosystem in the Eastern Visayas and ensuring sufficient funding and resources.