The nickname “Mother of the Maliputo and Tawilis” sounds equal parts folklore and scientific acclaim. Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia earned the moniker through decades of work that has protected two of Taal Lake’s most valuable species and helped reshape the country’s inland fisheries sector.
This year marked the height of her international recognition, highlighted by her receipt of the 2025 Women in Ag Award in Hanover, Germany – an accolade that brought her work to the global stage. Long before she stood onstage in Hanover, Mutia had spent years in quiet, methodical research, focused on challenges that many believed were unsolvable.
One of these was the captive breeding of Maliputo, a high-value freshwater fish prized in Batangas but notoriously difficult to reproduce in controlled environments. For years, scientists struggled with the species’ unpredictable behavior, making it heavily reliant on wild catch and vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Through meticulous experimentation and long hours in hatcheries, Mutia led the team that achieved the first successful captive breeding of maliputo. The breakthrough proved transformative as it created a sustainable hatchery system, reduced pressure on natural stocks, and expanded livelihood opportunities for communities around Taal Lake. The volatile supply chain became more stable, benefiting both fisherfolk and downstream businesses dependent on the species.
Science-based regulation
Her work with tawilis, recognized globally as the world’s only freshwater sardine, resulted in equally significant impact. The species, endemic to Lake Taal, has long faced threats from overfishing, declining water quality, and the lake’s volcanic behavior.
Mutia’s extensive studies on its biology and population dynamics provided the scientific foundation for landmark management measures, including the March–April closed season and the designation of protected areas within the lake.
These policies helped reverse declining population trends and offered the species a rare conservation turnaround, reinforcing the importance of science-driven regulation in safeguarding economically and ecologically important fisheries.
33-year research
When Mutia joined the Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) in 1992, she was a contractual biologist. With her degrees in zoology and environmental science from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, she built her career on evidence-based research and consistent fieldwork.
Over 33 years, she rose through the ranks to become NFRDI’s executive director, leading national fisheries research at a time of rising climate and resource pressures.
Despite her achievements and the global spotlight, she remains grounded in collaboration. In her acceptance speech in Germany, she highlighted the shared nature of her work saying that the recognition is not hers alone, “but a reflection of the collective efforts of the many people I have had the privilege to meet, work with, and learn from.”
She was the first Filipina recognized in the Women in Ag Award’s Technology and Research category. With fellow honorees from Europe and Asia, the award highlighted the growing leadership of women in agriculture, fisheries, and environmental science.
For industry stakeholders, Mutia’s work demonstrates how research can translate into measurable economic and sustainability gains, from stabilizing high-value fish supplies to informing national policy that protects resources critical to food security.
Her mentorship of young scientists and her constant engagement with fisherfolk also help ensure that technological innovations reach the communities that need them most.
Mutia made sure two of Taal’s most iconic fish would not vanish. Hers is a genuine care for the ecosystems and people that depend on them.
