MALITA, Davao Occidental, March 7 (PIA) – The P10 million-worth fishing-research vessel of a state-run college in Malita, Davao Occidental has made its maiden voyage after it was recently christened and turned over by the builder. Dr. Ruth S. Lucero, president of the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), took pride of the newly-built ship owned by the institution during the blessing and turnover ceremony held at at Sitio Udalo in Barangay Tubalan in Malita town. It is said to be the first fishing-research vessel from among fisheries institutions in Davao Region and in Mindanao. Lucero revealed that the craft will soon feature a world-class laboratory facility that will cater to students taking Fisheries and Marine Sciences related courses. “This is a world-class laboratory, and this will improve our delivery of quality education for the students. I’m not only looking on our students, but on other researchers, other students, tea