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TRopical ECosystem Health - TRECH - Laboratory

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TRopical ECosystem Health - TRECH - Laboratory

Project Study Components:

Study 1: Aquatic Microorganism Biodiversity Evaluation and Resource Monitoring Project (AMBER Monitoring)
Study Leaders: Analyn M.

To be a pioneering model of ridge-to-reef ecosystem health assessment that empowers communities, strengthens local governance, and fosters sustainable development through science-based, inclusive, and climate-resilient environmental management. The official page of the Development of a Tropical Ecosystem Health Scorecard Project, an internationalization program of Visayas State University, spearheaded by the Department of Biological Sciences in collaboration with University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute, University of Maryland – Centre for Environmental Science, and the Local Government Unit of Baybay. The project aims to evaluate the prevailing ecosystem health/status of Baybay City, specifically along the Pagbanganan River and its traversing barangays that are affected by urbanization and development, considering inter-related socio-ecological, physicochemical, cultural, and socio-economic impacts, both beneficial and adverse. One of the project’s component studies, the “Socio-economic and Environmental Report Card for a Healthy Ecosystem”, aims to formulate a scorecard that represents the status/health of the Pagbanganan River. The formulation process involves the evaluation of the values & threats, identification of indicators, calculation of scores, and finally the development of the ecosystem health report card. Mazo, Ph.D, Eunice Kenee L. Serino, MSc. Julissah C Evangelio, MSc. Research Staff: Ralph Ryan G. Badilla, Joenabeth L. Igloria
Objectives: To assess the composition and diversity of micro-communities (phytoplankton, zooplankton, meiofauna, and benthic invertebrates) as bioindicators in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Study 2: Soil and Water Quality Monitoring and Pollution Assessment Project (SoWaQMA)
Study Leaders: Rafael Junnar P. Dumalan, MSc. Cheryl Batistel, Ph.D
Research Staff: Marirose A. Balicante
Objectives: To evaluate the soil and water physico-chemical properties relative to the approved quality standard levels, and pollution load estimates. Study 3: Terrestrial and Aquatic Macrofaunal Evaluation and Diversity Monitoring Project (TAMED Monitoring)
Study Leaders: Ris Menoel R. Modina, MSc., Fretzeljane O. Pogado, MSc., Art Russel R. Flandez, MSc. Research Staff: Chester Breech T. Cuta
Objectives: To determine the community structure of terrestrial fauna (reptiles and amphibians), aquatic macrofauna (gastropods, bivalves, crustaceans, etc.), and fishes using various descriptors. Study 4: Ecological Survey of Freshwater Flora and Riparian vegetation (ECSFFloR)
Study Leader: Honeylene V. Ongy,MSc., Ern Oliver Balondo (MSc. Candidate)
Research Staff: Sherlie O. Quiñones
Objectives: To assess the abundance and diversity of aquatic macrophytes and species composition of the riparian vegetation. Study 5: Socio-economic and Environmental Report Card for a Healthy Ecosystem (SERCHE)
Study Leader: VSU: Mary Chris Pleños, MSc, UP-MSI: Charissa M. Ferera, PhD, UMCES: Vanessa Vargas-Nguyen, PhD
Research Staff: Neca Jane O. Malacora
Objectives: To create a transdisciplinary approach in

20/06/2026

🌊 VLIRUOS REEFDREAM Project Conducts Coral Reef Assessments in Panaon Island Protected Seascape 🪸

As part of its continuing efforts to advance coral reef research and monitoring in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Biological Sciences of Visayas State University (VSU-DBS), through the REEFDREAM (Coral REEF Diversity REsearch And Monitoring) Project, successfully conducted coral reef assessment activities at two important reef sites in PIPS: Napantao Fish Sanctuary and Son-ok MPA, Pintuyan, on June 16 and 18, respectively. 🤿🐋

REEFDREAM aims to generate comprehensive baseline information on coral reef ecosystems by integrating multiple assessment approaches. Through the consolidation of monitoring data from different survey methods, the project seeks to provide a more holistic understanding of reef condition, biodiversity, ecosystem health, and resilience, ultimately supporting science-based conservation and sustainable management initiatives. 🌊🏝️

To achieve these objectives, the research team employed three complementary assessment methods:
🔹 C30 (ALWAN) Method – utilized citizen science to assess reef benthic condition through photo-quadrat surveys, generating data on hard coral cover, coral diversity, and reef bottom composition.
🔹 C5 Method – conducted to document coral diversity and identify coral taxa present within the reef ecosystem.
🔹 Fish Visual Census (FVC) – implemented to evaluate reef fish assemblages, providing valuable information on fish abundance, biomass, and community structure.

By integrating data from coral communities, benthic resources, and reef fish populations, REEFDREAM contributes to a more comprehensive assessment of coral reef ecosystems. The information gathered from these surveys will serve as an important baseline for long-term ecological monitoring, scientific research, and the development of strategies aimed at protecting and sustaining the rich marine biodiversity of Southern Leyte and neighboring coastal regions. 🐠🪸🐟

The successful completion of these assessments would not be made possible without the help and collaboration of the NTU - Earth Observatory of Singapore, Oceana, SLSU - Bontoc, Dap-ag Boys 2.0, PIPS: Liloan Youth Coast Care Volunteer, and Lukas Dive Shop! 🙌✨

This will not also be made possible without the assistance and support of LGU - Napantao and LGU - Pintuyan! 🙏

by: Marie Stephanie Garcia

08/09/2025

📣 Join our team! Join ReefDREAM! 🪸

ReefDREAM’s multidisciplinary research aligns with metacommunity analysis of coral reef ecosystems by integrating citizen-science and technical data through data fusion techniques within the Hierarchical Modeling of Species Communities (HMSC) framework, enabling robust analysis of species interactions. 🌊🐠🐚

ReefDREAM’s projected impact is to advance science-based protection and management of coral reef ecosystems in the Philippines by fostering a culture of collaborative, community-driven, and academic research. This approach will generate improved and sustainable scientific insights that support the long-term conservation of these vital ecosystems. 🦞🤿✨

See details below. 👌

17/08/2025

🌿📊 FROM DATA TO PUBLICATION: 2nd Writeshop✨📚

On April 14, 2025, study leaders, research staff, and collaborators gathered for a second Writeshop titled "From Data to Publication: Development of a Tropical Ecosystem Health Scorecard" at the CAFS Conference Hall, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte. 🧠🌱

The full-day session aimed to create a learning and collaborative environment to refine all draft manuscripts, with all field data collected from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including floral and faunal components. Participants worked closely with mentors and collaborators to improve their manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. 📝🌍

Furthermore, it was an event where a shared vision was voiced: translating years of monitoring ridge-to-reef ecosystems into publications that are accessible, impactful, and relevant to policy, conservation, and change. 💧🌳📖

Thank you to everyone who brought their passion and purpose. The journey from data to publication was challenging—but together, we made science count where it matters most. ✨🙌

By: Maria Rachelle Salazar Arcayan

11/07/2025

🌿✍️ From Data to Publication: TRECH Scorecard Write-shop 2024 📊📚

On December 12–13, 2024, the Study Leaders and Research Staff of the Tropical Ecosystem Health (TRECH) Scorecard Project gathered at the ECO-FARMI Training Hall, Visayas State University, for an intensive write-shop focused on one of the project’s most crucial deliverables: scientific publication.📝

As a major output of the TRECH Scorecard, peer-reviewed publications are not just documentation; they are essential tools for sharing ecological insights, supporting evidence-based conversation, and strengthening the scientific foundation of local and national policies.⚖️🍃

The write-shop centered on the transformation of raw field data into publishable manuscripts through presentations, group feedback, and writing sessions on the first day. On the second day, presentations of prospect proposals for future biodiversity and freshwater research, followed by collaborative planning for the project’s future directions.✨

This event showcased the team’s collective commitment to turning science into action, ensuring that our work contributes meaningfully to ecosystem management, academic discourse, and community resilience.🤗🌏🫶

By: Joenabeth Igloria

03/07/2025

‼️ LOOK BACK | The 36th Joint VICARP-AFFREDN Regional Symposium 👥

The 36th Joint ViCARP–AFRREDN Regional RDE Symposium is a research and development gathering in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. ViCARP - AFRREDN (Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program - Agriculture & Fisheries Resources, Research & Extension for Development Network) comes together on November 27, 2024, to showcase regional innovations, exchange ideas, and highlight outstanding research and extension projects in agriculture, aquatic systems, and natural resources.👨‍🏫🍃

Participants intently explore poster presentations showcasing the region’s thriving research, extension, and innovation outputs and updates. A passionate exchange of ideas took place as attendees discussed recent research and developments, empowering sustainable solutions through science. As the TrEcH Team presented their findings, a multidisciplinary exchange of ideas connected the researchers and evaluators as they discussed the technical findings of the Pagbanganan River Ecosystem Health Scorecard and their implications for the management and conservation of the river.🌳🏞️✨

By: John Vincent Honrada

28/06/2025

🌿"TRECH took the stage: Pagbanganan River Research went to National and International Conferences"🌐

The TRECH team traveled to the Sunrise Capital of the Philippines - Davao Oriental, to participate in back-to-back conferences and share their studies conducted in the Pagbanganan River. Communicating results is a crucial step in research, as it informs various audiences, maximizes impact, and fosters collaboration. 🦎🏞️🍃

The 56th Federation of Institutions of Marine and Freshwater Sciences, Inc. (FIMFS) Annual Convention 2024, with the theme “BLUE HARMONY: Regenerating our Aquatic Worlds,” was held on October 22–24, 2024, at Honey’s Hotel in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, and was hosted by Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU). A total of six poster presentations from various component studies were showcased, while three oral presentations were delivered by study leaders. All of the studies were presented under the session, Marine-Freshwater Resources Biodiversity: Ecosystem Health, Services, and Sustainability. 👨‍🏫

Immediately after FIMFS 2024, the 3rd International Biodiversity Conference (IBC) took place on October 24-26, 2024, with the theme “Sustainable Management in Agriculture, Regenerative Technology, and Ecosystem Restoration (SMARTER)”, held at the same venue and hosted by the same university. In this conference, a total of three poster presentations and one oral presentation were delivered by the team. 🌊

This opportunity allowed the TRECH study leaders and science research aides to share insights from their years of work, contribute to the scientific community, while receiving positive feedback from a diverse audience across the country, and build professional networks. This platform also serves to reunite with former students who also presented their undergraduate thesis and learn from different studies across various fields in different state universities all over the Philippines. 🤝

This would not be possible without the support of the Project Leader, Study Leaders, and the Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Cheryl C. Batistel, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Rotacio Gravoso, Director of Research, Development, and Extension, Dr. Ivy Emnace, and especially to the VSU President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes. 🙏✨

The TRECH team’s three-year journey shows how data can be transformed into stories that can create an impact in our community. With this chapter on the TRECH Project about to end, the team looks ahead and wonders what's next for the Pagbanganan River . . . its rich biodiversity and ecosystem value. ⁉️🤔🌳

By: Phelan Latoreno

25/06/2025

📣THROWBACK | From Field to Forum: Echoes of Pagbanganan✨

In 2024, as the project was led by Mr. Rafael Junnar Dumalan , our team presented significant updates on the “Development of a Tropical Ecosystem Health Score Card” during the Agency In-House Review (July 9) and the Inter-Agency Cluster Review (October 16). 🌐📽️

It was more than just a presentation; it was an opportunity to speak for the Pagbanganan River-from the biodiversity it shelters to the humble communities that depend on its health. 🏞️

From microfaunal diversity and soil quality to riparian vegetation, aquatic fauna, and human well-being, our team connected these elements into a bigger picture, one that shows how ecosystem health and human life are deeply linked. 🧍‍♂️♾️🦎

Despite challenges, our work marked a first in Leyte. A transdisciplinary, Ridge-to-Reef Scorecard rooted in science, yet designed to resonate with policymakers, local leaders, and everyday citizens alike. 🌿🫂

We are humbled that our efforts were not only heard but also recognized, earning us a spot as poster presenters for Level 3 of the RDE Regional Symposium. 🙏

And while that recognition is an honor, the true reward was the chance to let science deliver a message: that this river has a story; that our communities have a stake; and that our work (every review, every critique, every recommendation) is part of something much bigger than ourselves. 🍃🌏

By: Marielle Diaz

24/06/2025

🌿✨The Annual In-house Review is coming. Let’s reminisce on our first Annual In-House Review presentation of the TRECH PROJECT.✨🌿

Our very own Dr. Analyn M. Mazo presented the research progress of the “Development of a Tropical Ecosystem Health Scorecard” during the Annual In-House RDE Review last September 8, 2023 at the Visayas State University. 📊📑

The project aims to establish a comprehensive, science-based tool for assessing the health of tropical river ecosystems, focusing particularly on ecological indicators such as water quality, aquatic macrophytes, riparian vegetation, herpetofauna, and community participation. The goal is to provide local government units, stakeholders, and environmental managers with clear and actionable insights to guide management, conservation, and rehabilitation efforts.🌳🌿🍃

Talking about the development of our work with professors, researchers, and specialists from different fields was a humbling and empowering experience. Such moments serve as a reminder of the importance of collaborative science in solving practical environmental problems.💪👨‍🔬

Thank you to our project leaders, local partners, and institutions supporting this initiative. May we continue to grow in our pursuit of knowledge and stewardship of nature. 💚🌱

By: Maria Rachelle Salazar Arcayan

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VSU Campus, Brgy. Pangasugan
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