By Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan is appointed as the first OIC of the CPU Center for Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation, advancing the University’s efforts in coastal and marine environmental protection.

Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan, Chairperson of the CAS Department of Life Sciences, has been appointed as Officer-in-Charge of the CPU Center for Mangroves and Marine Biodiversity Conservation.

The CPU Center for Mangroves and Marine Biodiversity Conservation is a concrete initiative of the University aimed at addressing various environmental concerns faced by coastal communities. The Center’s primary goals are the conservation of mangroves and marine life, the promotion of nutrition and food security, and the protection and rehabilitation of coastal environments.

The Center operates three stations: Station 1 is located in Sitio Panuso-on, Brgy. Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloilo; Station 2 in Brgy. Dangula-an, Anilao; and Station 3 in Brgy. Culasi, Ajuy, Iloilo. Faculty members, students, and staff of the University may utilize this Center for instruction, research, development, and extension activities related to mangrove and marine ecosystems. For scheduling and engagement, interested proponents may coordinate with the Chairperson of the CAS Department of Life Sciences or the Director of the CPU Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center.

Meanwhile, Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan has been appointed as the Officer-in-Charge of the CPU Center for Mangroves and Marine Biodiversity Conservation. She is also the current Chairperson of the CPU Department of Life Sciences. Prof. Macairan holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from West Visayas State University, a Master of Science in Fish Biology from the University of the Philippines Visayas and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

This environmental initiative was established by the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center and is anchored on the CPU University Outreach Framework – Program E.R.N.E.S.T., where the second “E” stands for Environment.