Project MSMC

21/01/2026

What a successful commencement of the training on Day 1.

𝐔𝐏𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 I Enhancing Mangrove Stewardship in Southern Leyte through Stakeholder Training in Ecological Techniques

Strengthening coastal resilience through science and collaboration!
Join us for the upcoming stakeholder training entitled, “𝐸𝑛ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝐿𝑒𝑦𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝐸𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑛𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠.”

This capacity-building activity brings together Local Government Units (LGUs) of Southern Leyte to advance evidence-based mangrove conservation and sustainable coastal management.

📌 Led by:
Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus and Hinunangan Campus

📌 In partnership with:
Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD)
Provincial Government of Southern Leyte
LGU - Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte
LGU - Bontoc, Southern Leyte

📅 January 21–23, 2026
📍 SLSU Main Campus, RIES Building, 2nd Floor

Let us enhance science-based mangrove stewardship, empower local stakeholders, and protect our coastal ecosystems for future generations.

27/12/2025

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲: 𝗕𝗿𝗴𝘆. 𝗦𝘁𝗮. 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Before 2025 ends, the coastal barangay of Sta. Sofia in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte (one of the study site of the mangrove project) has taken a decisive step in championing environmental stewardship through the unanimous adoption of Barangay Resolution No. 18, a resolution strengthening the conservation and management of its remaining mangrove forests, guided by the project’s policy brief “Bridging People, Progress, and Protection in Safeguarding the Mangrove Forest in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte,” which synthesized comprehensive socio-ecological data.

The research documented the exceptional blue carbon potential of their mangroves, their role in the provisioning of ecosystem services and its high species diversity, home to a significant proportion of the region’s true mangrove species. Equally important, the project identified mounting pressures from land conversion, aquaculture, and infrastructure development, putting an emphasis on the urgency of science-based local regulation.

The resolution emphasizes enhanced protections, designation of critical mangrove zones, integration of mangrove conservation into local planning instruments, and sustained enforcement mechanisms, all reflecting the policy recommendations of the Project’s policy brief. Consequently, by giving back the results of the research to the community, definitely helped transform scientific data into practical tools for decision-making, awareness building, and community empowerment.

This milestone reflects the successful collaboration between the Barangay Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta. Sofia and Project MSMC funded by DOST PCAARRD, translating years of rigorous research and community engagement into concrete local policy action that will hopefully sustain both the environment and society, today and for generations to come.

01/12/2025

LOOK: Project MSMC is pleased to announce the successful creation and copyright registration of the 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒂𝒅𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒔, 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒚𝒕𝒆 developed as one of the major scientific deliverables of the two-year research initiative. The handbook was curated to provide a detailed and comprehensive reference for the accurate identification of mangrove species found in the municipality of Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte. More so, it is intended to support academic instruction, further scientific research, engage communities, and in aid for the evidence-based coastal resource management at the local level.

The mangrove project extends its sincere appreciation to the local Government Unit of Padre Burgos for its continuous support, assistance, and cooperation throughout the duration of the study. The mangrove project likewise acknowledges the support and funding provided by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARRD), whose commitment to support and champion research for the benefit of the Filipino society made this achievement possible.

This successful undertaking is a significant contribution of Project MSMC – 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐒𝐋𝐒𝐔) and its partner institution 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐈𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐈𝐈𝐓) to the ongoing efforts to strengthen science-based conservation of natural resources in the country aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) 13: Climate Action, 14: Life Below Water, and 15: Life on Land. 🌱

For individuals or institutions with interests to acquire a full copy of the handbook, requests may be sent to the Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES), Southern Leyte State University, through email [email protected].

23/08/2025

SLSU Research Team Conducts Third Mangrove Sampling in Caraga Region

The mangrove research team of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) carried out its third round of mangrove sampling on August 20–21, 2025, in the Caraga Region, as part of a continuing scientific effort to examine the role of mangrove ecosystems in climate change mitigation.

The activity forms part of a Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded project that investigates mangrove-sediment-microorganism interactions to better understand their role in carbon sequestration. By examining the multiple components of mangrove systems, the study seeks to generate scientific evidence crucial for developing stronger climate change mitigation strategies in the Philippines.

During the fieldwork, the team conducted simultaneous activities including soil sampling, leaf litter collection, aboveground biomass assessment, and pore-water quality monitoring across various mangrove stands. These methods were designed to capture a more holistic view of how mangrove ecosystems function as carbon sinks and how environmental conditions influence their storage capacity.

Mangroves are widely recognized as “blue carbon” ecosystems because of their ability to store large amounts of carbon in both their biomass and soils. Compared with terrestrial forests, mangroves have been shown to sequester carbon at far higher rates, making them vital in efforts to offset greenhouse gas emissions.

This marks the team’s third sampling activity in the Caraga region, following successful phases in Southern Leyte. Each step brings the researchers closer to providing evidence-based recommendations for conservation and policy making innitiatives.

09/08/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: Final Sampling for Mangrove Carbon Research in Southern Leyte

Led by Dr. Ian A. Navarrete and Mrs. Janine Dimzon, the mangrove research team successfully carried out the final round of scientific sampling in Southern Leyte on August 6–7, 2025. This activity is part of the project “Mangrove-sediment-microorganism Carbon Dynamics to Enhance CO₂ Sequestration Capacity of Mangrove Forests”, funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

The Southern Leyte phase involved intensive fieldwork to gather essential data and samples in line with the project’s objectives, contributing to a nationwide research effort to advance the understanding of mangrove carbon dynamics and their role in mitigating climate change. With this stage now completed, the team will proceed to the next sampling in Surigao City on August 20–22, 2025, which will also serve as the last field activity for the site. The results from these efforts will bring the project closer to completion and provide a solid basis for analyzing the data and developing science-based strategies to strengthen mangrove conservation and carbon management.

17/05/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝!

The fourth-year BS in Environmental Science students at Southern Leyte State University - Hinunangan Campus (SLSU-HC) successfully defended their thesis studies, under the supervision and guidance of Professor Ian A. Navarrete, with the panelists, Mrs. Jessa Nunez, MSc, Mrs. Leonisa Cupat, MSc, Mr. Nico Antipala, and Mr. Wade Lim, last May 16, 2025.

This academic milestone forms part of the broader scientific endeavor under the ongoing mangrove project in Southern Leyte, supported and funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

In light of this achievement, warmest congratulations are extended to Ms. Abegiel Lubong, Ms. Genia Fe Jumandos, Mr. Kemuel Astillo, Ms. Mary Joy Maing, and Mr. Adrei Gabut for your unwavering dedication to understanding the mangrove ecosystem and exemplifying what it means to be stewards of the environment. Your efforts bridge the role of science in the service of society, a pursuit not only of academic fulfillment but of knowledge for the greater good. May this achievement fuel your continued journey towards becoming advocates and changemakers in the future, echoing the call for collective action in conserving one of the most vital ecosystems on the planet, the mangrove ecosystem.

Once again, congratulations, students! 🥳

20/03/2025

In the study of Sasmito et al. (2025) published in Nature Communications, they highlight that Southeast Asia contributes about one-third of global and 48% of the region’s land-use change carbon emissions, with nearly half (691.8 ± 97.2 TgCO2e per year) where most of it originating from the destruction of peat swamp forests (PSFs) and mangroves. But protecting and restoring these ecosystems presents a significant opportunity for climate change mitigation and sustainable development. Restoring degraded PSFs and mangroves could reduce emissions by 94.4 ± 7.4 TgCO2e per year. Despite covering only 5.4% of Southeast Asia's land area, these ecosystems store 25% of global tropical forest carbon stocks.

Sasmito et al. emphasizes that, by taking immediate action to conserve and restore peat swamp forests and mangroves, Southeast Asia can significantly contribute to global climate change mitigation, ensuring a sustainable future for both people and nature.



For a comprehensive exploration of this discovery, please refer to the complete paper accessible here:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-55892-0?fbclid=IwY2xjawJIYytleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHf1EfdAYA7l-iUQfqllI28_b1HlSDPTt0MHzAVLB3mft2nLRbzgIkJuznw_aem_EgYt3WXg-zxywXZtuegk1Q



Reference:

Sasmito, S. D., Taillardat, P., Adinugroho, W. C., Krisnawati, H., Novita, N., Fatoyinbo, L., ... & Lupascu, M. (2025). Half of land use carbon emissions in Southeast Asia can be mitigated through peat swamp forest and mangrove conservation and restoration. Nature Communications, 16(1), 740.

19/03/2025

LOOK: At the International Agri-Life and Bioresource Sciences Symposium, Professor Ian Navarrete, project lead of Project MSMC presented the study entitled “Knowledge and Awareness of Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation: Examples from Bontoc and Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte” held at Visayas State University (VSU) in collaboration with Hiroshima University, Japan, from March 16 to 19, 2025. The symposium, themed “Agri-Life and Bioresource Sciences: Collaborative Innovations for a Resilient Future," focused on three primary objectives: providing a venue for discussing the latest research, best practices, and emerging trends in agri-life and bioresource sciences; strengthening research networks among scientists, industry professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders; and generating innovative strategies to address key challenges in agriculture, life sciences, and bioresource management.

Professor Navarrete presented the key findings from the study, emphasizing the varying levels of awareness among local communities regarding the ecological and socio-economic benefits of mangroves, the role of local knowledge and community participation in conservation efforts, and the challenges faced in mangrove rehabilitation, including climate change, anthropogenic pressures, and policy implementation gaps. Furthermore, the findings have implications for policy development, suggesting that integrating scientific research with community-based approaches can enhance mangrove ecosystem resilience against climate change and human-induced threats.

This study was made possible through the funding of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARRD) for the Project Mangrove Sediment Microorganism Carbon Dynamics to Enhance CO2 Sequestration Potential of Mangrove Forest, the contributions of students, and the project team, whose efforts were instrumental in data collection, analysis, and fieldwork.

Professor Ian Navarrete’s presentation at the International Agri-Life and Bioresource Sciences Symposium significantly contributes to the discourse on environmental conservation and bioresource management. By emphasizing the role of knowledge and awareness in mangrove conservation, the study provides important perspectives on how grassroots community engagement and policy support can lead to sustainable and resilient coastal ecosystems. Making Professor Navarrete and the project team’s research align with the symposium’s objective of fostering collaborative innovations to address global environmental challenges, further strengthening research networks, and promoting actionable conservation strategies.

12/03/2025

LOOK: March 12, 2025 | A significant meeting was conducted in the Municipality of Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, spearheaded by the Southern Leyte State University-Hinunangan Campus and Project MSMC a DOST PCAARRD-funded project. The primary objective of the event was to present the latest updates on the ongoing mangrove project to the Municipal Local Government Unit (LGU) and the community of Barangay Sta. Sofia. This initiative aimed to strengthen partnerships and enhance local conservation efforts through collaboration. The event commenced with a courtesy call by the project team, headed by Professor Ian Navarrete, project leader and SLSU Campus Director, Mr. Wade Lim, to the local key officials of Padre Burgos. Present on the meeting were the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Hermenegildo Culpa; Mr. Cesar Tinambacan, Head of the Municipal Agricultural Office; Engr. Emmanuel Gulay, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Head; and Mr. Rey Palero, Executive Secretary.

One of the key highlights of the event was the formal presentation of the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material titled Handbook on Mangrove Identification in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte. This handbook was meticulously crafted as a vital resource to aid local stakeholders in recognizing and understanding the various mangrove species found within the municipality. Designed to support conservation efforts, the handbook provides essential knowledge on species identification, ecological significance and best practices for mangrove planting. Following the presentation of the handbook, discussions geared on the potential integration of mangrove conservation strategies into the municipality’s Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) and tourism development plan. The project team emphasized the crucial ecological and socio-economic benefits of mangroves, highlighting their role in coastal protection, biodiversity support, and livelihood sustenance for local communities. By incorporating mangrove preservation into official municipal frameworks, the LGU can ensure long-term protection and sustainable management of these critical ecosystems.

Another key agenda of the meeting was the discussion of an upcoming capacity training program on mangrove conservation. Recognizing the need for strengthened community involvement and technical expertise, Project MSMC proposed a comprehensive training initiative aimed at capacitating local officials, community leaders, and volunteers. This training will cover essential topics such as sustainable mangrove management, community-based conservation strategies, and policy development. The LGU officials expressed their support for this initiative, acknowledging its potential to empower local stakeholders and enhance conservation efforts at the grassroots level.

Following the discussions with municipal officials, the project team proceeded to Barangay Sta. Sofia, where the majority of the municipality’s mangrove forest cover is located. Here, the team provided barangay officials with a copy of the Mangrove Identification Handbook and engaged in a dialogue on strengthening local conservation initiatives. Key recommendations were made, including the formulation of a barangay resolution that would serve as a policy framework for mangrove protection.

The event successfully reinforced the collaboration between Project MSMC, SLSU-Hinunangan Campus, the Municipal LGU of Padre Burgos, and the community of Barangay Sta. Sofia. Through the presentation of the DOST PCAARD-funded project updates, the introduction of the Mangrove Identification Handbook, and discussions on municipal integration and capacity-building initiatives, the groundwork was laid for more effective and sustained mangrove conservation efforts. A key takeaway from the event is the growing recognition of the mangrove ecosystem’s invaluable role in environmental protection and community resilience. With the active participation of local stakeholders, the future of mangrove conservation in Padre Burgos remains promising.

02/02/2025

Happy 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🌏🌱

On World Wetlands Day, we recognize the significance of these unique and biodiverse habitats and the need to conserve and sustainably manage them for the benefit of both wildlife and people. As stewards of the Earth, let us unite to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems for a sustainable and harmonious future!

01/02/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: As part of the collaborative mangrove research project funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), researchers from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) recently conducted once again its mangrove sampling activity, last January 28-30, 2025. This initiative is under the ongoing efforts understand the mangrove-sediment-microorganism carbon dynamics to enhance CO2 sequestration capacity of mangrove forests.

The research team, composed of the project leader, Professor Ian Navarrete, project research assistants’ Merrah Joy Subebe and a Master of Science candidate from MSU-IIT Ian Antimaro, conducted the fieldwork in selected mangrove stands within the province. The primary objectives of the sampling activity are to identify microorganisms crucial in CO2 cycling and carbonation and to evaluate the roles played by mangrove roots in the transfer for CO2 into sediments, including the growth of carbonation-enhancing microorganisms.

Following the fieldwork, the research team paid a courtesy visit to the Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES) Office of Southern Leyte State University, where they were welcomed by Dr. Frances Ann Sy, VP RIES. During the visit, discussions revolved on the importance of institutional collaboration, research capacity-building, and potential extension initiatives that would ensure tangible benefits of research activities towards the different sectors and to the communities.

The research team of SLSU and MSU-IIT remains committed to ensuring that the project will achieve its objectives that can lead to actionable conservation measures, strengthening the resilience of mangrove ecosystems in the country, and contributing to the efforts to achieving the sustainable development goals particularly SDG’s 11 sustainable cities and communities, 13 climate action, 14 life below water, and 15 life on land.

24/01/2025

What does a Natural Mangrove Site look like? 🤔