By Asst. Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.
PGENRO personnel and selected faculty members from Central Philippine University (CPU) conducted an ocular visit to the watershed area in Barangay Cag-an, Anilao, Iloilo.
On May 28, 2026, the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) of the Province of Iloilo, together with selected faculty members of Central Philippine University (CPU), conducted an ocular visit to several watershed and forestland areas being considered for adoption by the University. The list of potential watershed and forestland sites was obtained from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and served as the basis for the joint assessment conducted by PGENRO and CPU.
To facilitate the selection process, the Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center (CESLC) created a committee tasked with evaluating the identified areas. The committee was composed of the following members:
- Stella G. Fernandez – Biologist and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
- Regina E. Samillano – Biologist and Science Education Coordinator, College of Education
- Joyce S. Wendam – Rural Development Specialist and Outreach Coordinator, College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Laureen M. Manalo – Biologist and Faculty Member, Department of Life Sciences
- Prof. Cherrylyn M. Macairan – Environmentalist and Chairperson, Department of Life Sciences
- Prof. Ruth A. Monares – Chemist and Chairperson, Department of Chemistry
- Prof. Ann Marie P. Alguidano – Faculty Member and Outreach Coordinator, Department of Chemistry
- Prof. Elmer S. Ermitaño- Faculty Member, Department of Chemistry
- Dee B. Lucena – Agricultural Engineer and Chairperson, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Management
- Kennedy Paul C. Espacio – Mechanical Engineer and Outreach Coordinator, College of Engineering
- Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr. – Social Worker, Conservationist, and Director, Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center
The committee assessed the potential of the identified sites for the University’s instruction, research, and extension programs. In addition to a selected barangay in Anilao, the committee conducted ocular visits to areas located in the municipalities of Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, and San Miguel.
The proposed adoption of these watershed and forestland areas reflects the University’s commitment to environmental protection, conservation, and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the initiative aims to increase awareness among students, faculty members, and the public regarding the various environmental challenges facing the Province of Iloilo, including illegal mining and quarrying activities, deforestation, the spread of invasive flora and fauna species, water scarcity, illegal logging, and the privatization of government-owned lands.
At present, the University is awaiting the final decision of PGENRO regarding the specific watershed and forestland areas that will be officially adopted. Nevertheless, Central Philippine University remains steadfast in promoting environmental programs that advance biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and rehabilitation, and food and nutrition security for present and future generations.