DLSU Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center

Protecting our oceans is a long game. 🌊

Since 2012, Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan and the DLSU-SHORE coral research team have been monitoring the stunning reefs of Tubbataha. Over a decade of coral data helps us understand how pristine reef ecosystems thrive, adapt, and recover amid a changing climate. It also serves as a guide for the Tubbataha Management Office in developing and implementing reef management and conservation initiatives. 🪸 💙

Science takes the lead beneath the waves. 🌊

As we gear up for the Shore It Up! Tubbataha Assessment Expedition 2026, we’re introducing the marine scientists and conservation experts joining the mission through a special profile series.

Meet Dr. Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan — Coral Reef Scientist and Marine Biologist. With his expertise in coral reef ecology, reef assessment and monitoring, and citizen science, Dr. Al Licuanan will take the lead in conducting the Coral Health Assessment of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site for the upcoming trip.

DID YOU KNOW: The Verde Island Passage (VIP) is now part of a global network of Marine Protected Areas! 😲

You heard that right: By establishing the VIP as a Hope Spot® under the international marine conservation nonprofit organization Mission Blue, we increase public awareness and support for conservation efforts focused in the area.

The VIP has been at the apex of the Coral Triangle, where it received its nickname of being "the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity."

Thanks to Mission Blue, the DLSU-SHORE Center and local marine conservation champions are working to establish reef monitoring programs through the Western Batangas Coastal Initiative using the Alwan Methods.

Together, let us continue being collective advocates for our blue planet. 💙

Share these infographics with your friends and family, and let us continue to empower one another in sustaining our reefs!

This project has been made possible by international NGO Mission Blue () in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiatives

Also made possible by Amanda Terry of On Chain Monkey ()

The DLSU-SHORE Center extends our warmest wishes to “Her Deepness” Sylvia Earle as she celebrates her birthday today.

Her continuous work and impact in marine science and conservation spans across the globe through Mission Blue, an international marine conservation nonprofit organization that establishes and supports global Hope Spots®, scientifically confirmed areas vital to the planet's ocean health. 💙

The Verde Island Passage became one of the three Hope Spots® in the Philippines in 2023. This paved the way to enhance local marine conservation efforts through DLSU-SHORE Center’s project “Western Batangas Coastal Initiative."

Our efforts are all thanks to the never-ending support and advocacy for ocean protection of Her Deepness. We send her our happiest greetings on her special day! () 🤍

How do we monitor our reefs using Alwan? 🤔

Alwan (Batangueño: to ease) is a set of reef citizen science methods used to measure reef health. The three core groups are butterflyfish, target marine invertebrates, and corals. Through these methods, we get to make reef monitoring more accessible to coastal communities and empower people to become active stewards of their Philippine coasts and seas.

Share these infographics with your friends and family, and let us continue to empower one another in sustaining our reefs!

This project has been made possible by international NGO Mission Blue () in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiatives

Also made possible by Amanda Terry of On Chain Monkey ()

Alwan: Where did it all begin and where are we now? 😮

With the vision to make reef monitoring accessible to our coastal communities, DLSU-SHORE Center is committed to continuously develop the tools and build capacity in government, academic institutions, and the youth. Here is a brief history of the projects implemented to strengthen the science behind Alwan and grow our engaged network of reef citizen scientists.

Share these infographics with your friends and family, and let us continue advocating for safer and healthier reefs.

This project has been made possible by international NGO Mission Blue () in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiatives

Also made possible by Amanda Terry of On Chain Monkey ()

Celebrating innovation, conservation, and service!

We're honored to have attended the DIPO & DITO Thanksgiving event at DLSU Henry Sy Bldg, marking a wonderful end to the academic year. A huge milestone for us as our invention was disclosed- Crab2Go: Crab Packaging System and the announcement of our filed trademarks for projects "Reef Mo!" and "Coastal Scouts Protecting The Sea Conserving The Coast"

Alwan reef citizen science: IT WORKS! 🤩

In case you missed it, Lian citizen scientists and DLSU researchers worked together to collect, process, and interpret reef data using Alwan to influence policy. On February 2025, the municipality of Lian enacted an Executive Order to protect the damaged reef. 🪸🐠

The DLSU-SHORE Center expresses gratitude in the continuous pursuit for marine life protection in Lian, Batangas under the the Municipality of Environmental and Natural Resources Office.

Share these infographics with your friends and family, and let us continue becoming the heroes of our seas! 🤍

This project has been made possible by international NGO Mission Blue () in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative

Also made possible by Amanda Terry of On Chain Monkey ()

Photos by Municipality of Lian, Batangas - Lian and DLSU-SHORE Center

Why do we need to monitor coral reefs? 😲

To manage coral reefs effectively, we need science-based data. Monitoring our reefs is a way to know the changes in reef health and to know why these changes are happening. Reefs have become an integrated part of Filipinos' lives. That's why we must find the best ways to take care of them.

Share these infographics with your friends and family, and let us become advocates for reef protection!

This project has been made possible by international NGO Mission Blue () in partnership with Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative

Also made possible by Amanda Terry of On Chain Monkey ()

Videos by Tubbataha Management Office and DLSU-SHORE Center