By Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

The establishment of the CPU Center for Mangroves and Marine Biodiversity was among the agenda items discussed during the 10th Regular Session of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

On September 2, 2025, the Iloilo Provincial Board discussed the proposed establishment of the Center for Mangroves and Marine Biodiversity at Central Philippine University during its 10th Regular Session at the Provincial Capitol. To shed light on CPU’s environmental initiatives, the Board invited the Director of the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center and Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan, Chairperson of the Department of Life Sciences, to answer questions on conservation efforts.

The identified mangrove sites to be adopted by the University are located in Sitio Panuso-on, Brgy. Nabitasan, Leganes, Brgy. Dangula-an, Anilao, and Brgy. Culasi in Ajuy, Iloilo. These sites will be utilized for instruction, research, and extension initiatives, with the primary goals of protecting the environment, conserving marine biodiversity, and ensuring food security for coastal communities.

The signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CPU and the Iloilo Provincial Government is tentatively scheduled for September 15, 2025, with Governor Hon. Arthur “Toto” R. Defensor Jr. present, according to Ms. Mitzi S. Peñaflorida, Head, Environmental Program Management Services Division of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

This initiative is part of the CPU CAS Department of Life Sciences’ preparations for the Bachelor of Science in Biology Major in Ecology at the College of Arts and Sciences.