The Congress, organised by the Malacological Society of the Philippines (MSPI) with the help of the International Society for Medical and Applied Malacology (ISMAM) and the Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Ba–os (UPLB), was held at SEARCA, UPLB, Los Ba–os, Laguna, Philippines on 21-24 October 2002. Scientists and students from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, U.S.A. and Zimbabwe, followed the 31 oral and 22 poster presentations on several issues of molluscan biology and applied malacology.

The opening ceremonies started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem lead by the UPLB Ensemble. The delegates enjoyed a warm welcome that included addresses by Dr Erlinda Paterno (vice-chancellor for instruction, UPLB), Dr Ayolani de Lara (president of ISMAM and MSPI), and Dr John Burch (president of the board of trustees of the ISMAM). The Secretary of Agriculture represented by the Undersecretary for Fisheries, Mr Cesar Drilon was the keynote speaker. The opening remarks were followed by traditional Philippine songs and a short dance number performed by the UPLB Dance Troupe.

The scientific sessions started with two plenary lectures given by two invited speakers. Dr Lourdes Cruz, Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, talked about the highly sophisticated venom production and delivery system of Conus snails, and the biochemical and physiological diversity of the biologically active peptides of the venom of certain Conus species. Dr Cruz explained how modern drugs might result from research on Conus venom peptides as they show high affinity and specificity for particular targets. Prof. William Heard, Florida State University, presented details of the various types of hermaphroditism in the molluscan phylum. Prof. Heard also pointed out the relative lack of basic research on the mechanisms underlying sex determination and differentiation in hermaphrodite molluscs.

Oral and poster presentations dealt predominantly withmedical and agricultural malacology, toxicology, mollusc control and aquaculture of molluscs. Reproductive biology, biodiversity and conservation, as well as phylogeny of molluscs were tackled as well. A major topic was the golden apple snail (GAS), Pomacea canaliculata, a South American species that is becoming an increasingly serious agricultural pest in Asian rice fields since being introduced in Taiwan approximately 20 years ago. Most  presentations on GAS related to its current pest status and management strategies, including cultural, biological and chemical control methods that are currently employed in South East Asia. Low-cost information strategies, such as suitably designed web sites, in order to increase public awareness on agricultural pest problems, were also addressed.

Two special meetings were held on the second evening: the Golden Apple Snail working group meeting chaired and co-chaired by Dr Takashi Wada and Dr Yoichi Yusa (both from the National Agricultural Research Center, Japan), respectively, and a round table discussion on molluscs of medical importance chaired by Dr Lydia Leonardo (University of Philippines Manila) and co-chaired by Ms Ruth Martinez (Dept. of Health, Philippines).

The closing ceremonies included awards for the best student poster to Ryan de Chavez (Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, UPLB) and for the best oral presentation to Dr Jambari Ali (Universiti Putra Malaysia). In addition, Dr Burch gave a lifetime achievement award for exemplary service in the research, training and advancement of medical and applied malacology to Dr Bonifacio Dazo (Dept. of Science and Technology, Philippines) and Prof. Chin-Thack Soh (Inha University College of Medicine, Korea).

The final day of the congress was marked by the farewell dinner at which participants enjoyed a variety of Filipino food and were entertained by the UPLB Dance Troupe. Some participants were brave enough to try an exceptionally challenging dance, the ÒTiniklingÓ, that required the dancers to move quickly between two stout two metres long wooden sticks that were rhythmically hit together. The vibrant Philippine music and the lack of any accidents from this exercise probably justified the spontaneous decision that the participants should be involved in the entertainment by rendering songs representing their country of origin. Eventually, songs from countries that were not officially represented in the congress (like Greece) were heard as well.

Social entertainment included a post congress tour comprising a visit to the National Arts Centre in Mt. Makiling, an inactive volcano at the base of which the campus of UPLB is situated, and visits to the towns of Lumban, well known for its traditional barong embroidery, and Paete and Pakil, famous for their communities of artisans displaying wooden carved sculptures and religious images, skills that have been practiced there since Spanish times.



Vasiliki Flari, Central Science Laboratory, York