By Asst. Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan
BS Environmental Management students pose for a photo with Asst. Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan and PGENRO personnel during the mangrove assessment and field monitoring activity at the CPU Center for Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Station in Leganes, Iloilo.
BS Environmental Management students of the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES), Central Philippine University (CPU), in collaboration with the Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), conducted a mangrove assessment and field monitoring activity at the CPU Center for Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Station in Barangay Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloilo together with Asst. Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan on October 03, 2026.
The field activity provided students with an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in mangrove ecology, biodiversity assessment, environmental monitoring, and ecosystem management while contributing to the continuing documentation and conservation of the mangrove resources within the area.
The assessment focused on documenting the composition, abundance, distribution, and ecological characteristics of mangrove vegetation within selected assessment sites. Students also gained practical experience in field sampling techniques, species identification, data collection, and environmental assessment under the guidance of their faculty supervisors and PGENRO personnel.
The collaboration between CPU and the Iloilo Provincial Government highlights the importance of academic–government partnerships in advancing environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. Through hands-on field activities, students are trained to become future environmental professionals capable of addressing emerging challenges involving coastal ecosystems and natural resource management.
The CPU Center for Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Station serve as an important field-based learning and research site where students and faculty can conduct studies related to mangrove ecosystems, marine biodiversity, coastal processes, and environmental sustainability.
The activity also reinforces CPU’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, experiential learning, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Through collaborative fieldwork and community-oriented environmental initiatives, CPU continues to strengthen its role in developing environmentally responsible professionals and supporting the conservation of Iloilo’s valuable coastal and mangrove ecosystems.