WVSU

Tag: 14

CONSERVE AND SUSTAINABLY USE THE OCEANS, SEAS AND MARINE RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

Healthy oceans and seas are essential to our existence.They cover 70 percent of our planet and we rely on them for food, energy and water. Yet, we have managed to do tremendous damage to these precious resources. We must protect them by eliminating pollution and overfishing and immediately start to responsibly manage and protect all marine life around the world.

  • WVSU Dagyoung Student Ambassador drives global youth policy at the 13th NYP

    WVSU Dagyoung Student Ambassador drives global youth policy at the 13th NYP

    Showcasing West Visayas State University’s commitment to youth leadership and internationalization, Johnric G. Vargas—DagYoung Student Ambassador and Political Science student—represented Iloilo City and the entire Region VI as its lone delegate to the 13th National Youth Parliament (NYP) National Assembly held in Vigan City from November 18–20, 2025.

    The National Youth Parliament, a biennial policy-making convention mandated by Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act, brings together exceptional young leaders from across the Philippines to craft informed, future-oriented policy recommendations. Echoing WVSU’s global outlook, the NYP fosters a culture of international cooperation, policy innovation, and youth engagement aligned with global development agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international mobility frameworks.

    Throughout the assembly, delegates examined youth issues through a global lens—economic empowerment, good governance, digital innovation, and greater mobility across cultures and borders—reflecting the increasingly interconnected role of youth in nation-building.

    Vargas took on major leadership responsibilities that highlight his capacity to engage in both national and international youth development work. He served as the National Cluster Chairperson on Economic Empowerment and Global Mobility, Regional Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Governance, and was elected Regional Convener for the 13th NYP. He likewise contributed to the Philippine Youth Development Plan – Regional Inter-Agency Committee (PYDP-RIAC), ensuring that Western Visayas’ priorities resonate with broader cross-regional and global youth development perspectives.

    Following the deliberations of the National Assembly, the 13th National Youth Parliament successfully passed key resolutions aligned with the 10 Centers of Youth Participation—selected from hundreds of proposals submitted by regional clusters nationwide. These recommendations strengthen youth involvement in governance, economic mobility, and strategic partnerships, echoing international best practices in policy-driven youth development.

    These resolutions will be formally transmitted to the Philippine Congress and the Executive Branch for appropriate legislative and executive action, reinforcing NYP’s role as a national platform contributing to policy systems comparable to youth parliaments and councils across Asia and beyond.

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  • WVSU sets regional benchmark in UI GreenMetric 2025

    WVSU sets regional benchmark in UI GreenMetric 2025

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has climbed to World Rank 521 in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025, placing 1st in Region VI, 18th in the Philippines, and 294th in Asia, solidifying its standing as one of the country’s leading sustainable universities.

    Now on its 15th edition, the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings assessed 1,745 institutions from 105 countries, making it the world’s largest university ranking focused on sustainability performance. This year introduces the theme “Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: Stories from Our Institutions and Communities,” highlighting how universities integrate sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement.

    WVSU’s performance reflects its efforts across all six dimensions measured by UI GreenMetric—setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste management, water conservation, transportation systems, and sustainability-focused education and research. These criteria, composed of 39 indicators, evaluate how universities manage their physical environment, implement green policies, conserve resources, reduce emissions, and embed sustainability into academic and community programs.

    As WVSU continues to participate in the global UI GreenMetric network, its achievements contribute to broader national and international efforts to promote clean energy, climate action, sustainable development, and green innovation. The 2025 ranking offers both recognition and motivation for the university to enhance its programs and deepen its integration of sustainability within all aspects of institutional life.

  • WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors elevate youth leadership in climate action at France-PH Blue Nations and Youth & Oceans event

    WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors elevate youth leadership in climate action at France-PH Blue Nations and Youth & Oceans event

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthened its international environmental engagement as its DagYoung Student Ambassadors (DSA) took part in the high-level celebration of the Blue Nations Initiative and Youth & Oceans Program on December 3, 2025, at Makati Diamond Residences.

    The event marked the culmination of a two-year partnership between France and the Philippines dedicated to advancing marine conservation and climate action. Held in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (COP21), the gathering highlighted the achievements of both the Blue Nations Initiative and the Youth & Oceans Program, which has supported eleven civil society projects across the country in mobilizing grassroots environmental action.

    Representing WVSU were DSA Chairperson Aihrich M. Toreres, Special Projects Coordinator Johnric G. Vargas, and Education and Training Coordinator Amabela Fiona Le B. Benid, who showcased the university’s flagship marine conservation program, Sanctuarium Maris. Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the project positions WVSU’s student ambassadors, the internationalization arm of the university’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).

    During the program, Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Philippine government, emphasizing new opportunities for collaboration in strategic sectors ahead of France’s assumption of the G7 Chairmanship in 2026. The WVSU delegation also met His Excellency Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura, Ambassador of Brazil to the Philippines, who expressed support for youth-led conservation initiatives and coastal protection efforts.

    Since its launch in January 2025, the Sanctuarium Maris project has conducted a series of capacity-building activities for the Tigbauan coastal community. These include training on sea turtle biology, conservation and rescue protocols, artificial nest net-making, and simulations for nest protection. The project also held a workshop on drafting environmental ordinances aimed at institutionalizing local conservation efforts.

    A significant outcome of this initiative is the passage of Barangay Atabayan Ordinance No. 2025-004, titled “An Ordinance Creating a Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program, Providing Guidelines for Conservation and Appropriating Funds Thereof.” With guidance from the WVSU College of Law, the ordinance established a legal framework that now strengthens sea turtle conservation efforts in the Tigbauan coastline.

    The event concluded with a Cocktail and Civil Society Networking Session, where WVSU presented visibility materials and project outputs, highlighting the university’s growing role in youth-driven climate action and marine conservation. Through its continued participation in global environmental initiatives, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to building resilient communities, empowering local leaders, and fostering globally engaged student advocates for sustainable development.

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  • Dagyoung Student Ambassadors foster global citizenship through SDGs workshop

    Dagyoung Student Ambassadors foster global citizenship through SDGs workshop

    DagYoung Student Ambassadors (DSA) from various colleges of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) main campus took part in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) workshop during SYNC: Shaping Youth, Nurturing Connections held on October 10 at the Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.

    Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU Focal Person for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) initiatives, served as the resource speaker for the session.

    He discussed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their significance in addressing issues such as poverty, education, equality, and climate change. Dr. Lachica also emphasized how student ambassadors can contribute by integrating SDG-oriented values and communication into their campus and community initiatives.

    One of the highlights of the session was the “Rank the Goals” workshop, where participants formed small groups and ranked the 17 SDGs according to what they believed were the most urgent for today’s generation. Each group presented their top three priorities, which led to meaningful exchanges of ideas on pressing youth and global concerns.

    The ambassadors also shared personal insights on which goals resonated with them most and why they believe these goals must be addressed in today’s world.

    Through the workshop, the DSAs strengthened their understanding of global issues and reaffirmed their commitment to becoming advocates of sustainable change—living out the essence of youth leadership with purpose and responsibility.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors mark International Coastal Clean-UP with Tigbauan turtle nest protection drive

    WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors mark International Coastal Clean-UP with Tigbauan turtle nest protection drive

    TIGBAUAN, Iloilo – The shores of Barangay Atabayan became the center of environmental action today, September 20, as volunteers gathered for a coastal clean-up drive under the Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project.

    The initiative was spearheaded by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Young Journalists’ Society (YJS), and the Development Communicators’ Society. They were joined by barangay officials, the Sangguniang Kabataan, women’s groups, 4Ps beneficiaries, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

    This project, funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, is driven by the student ambassadors, a university-recognized internationalization arm of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office.

    Since its launch in January 2025, the Sanctuarium Maris project has organized training sessions and workshops on sea turtle biology, conservation protocols, and rescue procedures for stranded or injured turtles. Activities also featured artificial nest net-making, a simulation of turtle nest protection, and a workshop on drafting environmental ordinances.

    The WVSU College of Law played a key role in guiding the community in crafting legal measures, which culminated in the passage of Barangay Atabayan Ordinance No. 2025-004, “An Ordinance Creating a Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program, Providing Guidelines for Conservation and Appropriating Funds Thereof.” This ordinance, now legally in force, strengthens local efforts to protect sea turtle nesting grounds in Tigbauan.

    Coinciding with the global observance of International Coastal Clean-Up Day, the activity further reinforced Tigbauan’s commitment to marine conservation and community-driven environmental protection.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • New ordinance shield Turtle Nesting Grounds in Tigbauan; DagYoung Student Ambassadors’ Project gains ground

    New ordinance shield Turtle Nesting Grounds in Tigbauan; DagYoung Student Ambassadors’ Project gains ground

    In a strong affirmation of grassroots-led environmental protection, the Sangguniang Bayan of Tigbauan passed a resolution declaring Barangay Atabayan Ordinance No. 2025-004, “An Ordinance Creating a Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program, Providing Guidelines for Conservation and Appropriating Funds Thereof”, as legal and valid.

    The resolution, sponsored by Hon. Adrian Camposagrado and motioned by Hon. Marlon R. Terunez, Chair of the Committee on Rules, Ordinances, and Resolutions, earned the full support of the council. The ordinance strengthens local conservation efforts to safeguard sea turtle nesting sites in Barangay Atabayan, an identified breeding ground of the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).

    Legal Basis and Review Process

    Pursuant to Section 447 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), the Sangguniang Bayan holds the authority to review barangay ordinances to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements. Barangay Atabayan first endorsed its draft ordinance for review in May 2025, but due to technical inconsistencies, it was referred back to the barangay.

    On August 13, 2025, the revised ordinance was resubmitted and thoroughly reviewed by the Committee on Rules, Ordinances, and Resolutions. The committee found the ordinance consistent with Section 391 of the Local Government Code, which empowers barangays to enact measures that promote the general welfare, prescribe penalties for violations, and undertake other functions mandated by law.

    Anchored on National Environmental Laws

    The resolution further recognized that the ordinance aligns with Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which mandates the safeguarding of vulnerable species, including marine turtles. Barangay Atabayan, identified as a vital nesting ground for the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), has faced threats such as poaching, pollution, and habitat loss.

    Community-Led Conservation Effort

    Barangay Captain Edison Camiña and the members of the Barangay Council emphasized that the ordinance strengthens the local government’s role in protecting marine biodiversity. The initiative complements the Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project, launched in January 2025 by West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors, in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Young Journalists’ Society (YJS) and the Development Communicators’ Society,

    The project, funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, underscores the power of community-university partnerships in advancing conservation and sustainability.

    Final Action of the Sangguniang Bayan

    With no objections raised during the third and final reading, the Sangguniang Bayan formally resolved to declare Barangay Ordinance No. 2025-004 legal and valid, directing copies of the resolution to be furnished to Municipal Mayor Atty. Virgilio T. Teruel, the Liga ng mga Barangay, and Barangay Atabayan for proper information and action.

    A step Toward Lasting Conservation

    This move marks a milestone for Tigbauan’s local governance and environmental stewardship. By institutionalizing sea turtle nest protection through legislation, Barangay Atabayan sets an example of how community-driven conservation efforts, backed by legal measures, can ensure the survival of vulnerable marine species for generations to come.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Tides of Talk, Waves of Change: WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors in Action for Sea Turtles

    Tides of Talk, Waves of Change: WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors in Action for Sea Turtles

    What began as a student initiative has grown into a movement of environmental hope and action. At the heart of this effort is Sanctuarium Maris, a sea turtle conservation project in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo—led by the DagYoung Student Ambassadors of West Visayas State University (WVSU), in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society.

    Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, this project is building bridges between science, sustainability, and the community. On June 28, these student leaders hosted “Conversations on Conservation”, a focus group discussion that reflected on the progress, challenges, and future of the initiative.

    A Safe Shore for Sea Turtles

    Barangay Atabayan is known as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, with records of hatchlings as recent as 2020. But this coastal community also faces alarming challenges. From 2001 to 2011, 109 sea turtles were spotted—many of them injured or stranded. In 2020 alone, 11 turtles were rescued from fish traps or found along the coast. These figures paint a clear picture: the need for action is urgent.

    Youth at the Helm of Conservation

    WVSU’s DagYoung Student Ambassadors are at the forefront of this effort. Serving as the internationalization arm of the university’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), these students are not only raising awareness but are actively training as “first responders” in sea turtle protection. Chairperson Aihrich M. Toreres led the opening of the forum on behalf of Director Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csóka, emphasizing the role of student leadership in real-world impact.

    A Dialogue of Insights and Solutions

    The forum was designed not just to report outcomes, but to listen—to the volunteers, residents, and local leaders who share the responsibility of protecting the coast. Topics included TideWatch, a sharing of field observations and reflections; Bright Spots, which highlighted conservation wins; Rough Waters, where challenges and failures were discussed; and Echoes of Engagement, where volunteers and locals gave feedback on their experiences. The final session, Currents Forward, explored strategies to sustain the project long-term.

    A United Community Response

    The event was attended by key community figures, including Barangay Captain Hon. Edison T. Camiña, Hon. Julius E. Trafalgar, Hon. Rowena C. Torrechante, and SK Chair Peter Paul Cadabo. Their presence demonstrated strong local support and the growing awareness that sea turtle conservation is not a solo effort—it is a shared mission.

    Charting a Future for the Sea

    In his closing remarks, Special Projects Coordinator Johnric G. Vargas reflected on the importance of continuity and shared responsibility. He underscored that while policies and programs help, it is the hearts and hands of people—especially the youth—that will sustain real change.

    WVSU continues to serve as a beacon of environmental leadership in the region. With Sanctuarium Maris, the university’s student leaders are setting an example of what passionate, community-rooted conservation can look like.

    As the sea turtles return to Tigbauan’s shores in the years to come, they will find more than just a natural sanctuary. They will find a community waiting, watching, and willing to protect.


    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Sanctuarium Maris demonstrates effective Turtle Nest Protection with artificial net making workshop

    Sanctuarium Maris demonstrates effective Turtle Nest Protection with artificial net making workshop

    In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and environmental commitment, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors, in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society, held a demo-workshop on turtle nest artificial net making and a simulation of the Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project on March 15, 2025, in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

    Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, this project underscores WVSU’s strong dedication to sustainability, conservation, and volunteerism. The DagYoung Student Ambassadors, under the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), spearheaded the initiative, demonstrating the power of student leadership in driving positive environmental change that benefits both the community and the environment.

    Cyndy Sol G. Rodrigo, an Ecosystem Management Specialist II and Regional Alternate Youth Desk Officer of DENR VI, provided the participants with valuable insights into the handling of marine turtles. She emphasized the various situations in which a live marine turtle may need to be handled, including after nesting, during rescue operations, prior to release, or when being rehabilitated.

    The workshop also covered the sequential stages of marine turtle nesting, which can take up to six hours to complete. This process involves several steps, such as stranding, crawling from the surf to the nest site, clearing and excavating the nest hole, and laying eggs. Afterward, the nest is filled and camouflaged to ensure the safety of the eggs. In some cases, intervention may be necessary to relocate nests in high-risk areas, particularly when there is a risk of flooding, beach erosion, or predation.

    The workshop also included the importance of hatchling emergence, which typically occurs between 45 to 75 days after the eggs are laid. The emergence process, which happens in the late evening, can be slow at first but eventually speeds up as more hatchlings emerge from the nest. To minimize predation risks, it is advised to release the hatchlings in multiple locations, at dusk or dawn, and away from artificial light sources.

    Finally, participants learned about citizen science and its role in mapping sea turtle nesting sites. Tools such as smartphones, mobile apps, and paper notes were highlighted as essential resources for gathering data and contributing to the ongoing conservation efforts.

    This collaborative effort showcases the power of local communities in protecting marine life and preserving the environment for future generations.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Sanctuarium Maris drives efforts to craft stronger Sea Turtle Protection Laws

    Sanctuarium Maris drives efforts to craft stronger Sea Turtle Protection Laws

    TIGBAUAN, ILOILO – On March 9, 2025, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from Barangay Atabayan participated in a workshop focused on creating environmental ordinances for sea turtles as part of the Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project.

    The workshop was organized by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors, in collaboration with several key partners, including the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the WVSU Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society. Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, it further highlights the importance of international support for local environmental efforts.

    Atty. Federic Loise Segovia Regencia, a faculty member from the WVSU College of Law, shared his expertise on local legislation and the role of ordinances in community-based environmental protection. Atty. Regencia led discussions on the process of drafting ordinances, particularly focusing on the creation of a Sea Turtle Nest Protection Ordinance. He emphasized that for the success of the Sanctuarium Maris project, it is essential that the local government unit (LGU) pass an ordinance that legally protects sea turtle nests in the area.

    During the workshop, Atty. Regencia explained the key differences between ordinances and resolutions. He clarified that ordinances are laws passed by the local government that have the force of law, while resolutions are temporary measures that express legislative sentiment. This distinction is crucial for ensuring that environmental protection efforts, such as the proposed sea turtle protection ordinance, are legally binding and effective in the long term.

    Atty. Regencia also outlined the process involved in crafting local ordinances, emphasizing the importance of public consultation and community involvement at every stage. He highlighted the importance of holding multi-sectoral consultations to gather the concerns and needs of the community, which will then inform the creation of the legislation. Once the ordinance is drafted, it must undergo several steps, including a first reading, committee deliberations, public hearings, and multiple readings before being passed into law. Each of these steps ensures that the ordinance is well-vetted and reflective of the community’s needs.

    In addition, Atty. Regencia discussed the key considerations for creating effective environmental ordinances. He stressed the importance of having a clear legislative purpose, ensuring compliance with national and international environmental laws, and establishing regulatory mechanisms to enforce environmental standards. He also addressed the need for public awareness campaigns to engage the community in the process and encourage support for the ordinance.

    For the officials of Barangay Atabayan, the workshop served as a critical step toward enacting meaningful change for their environment. By creating ordinances that safeguard sea turtle nests, the community is taking responsibility for its local ecosystem and contributing to the broader goal of marine conservation.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Empowering Local Communities for Sea Turtle Preservation: The Sanctuarium Maris Initiative

    Empowering Local Communities for Sea Turtle Preservation: The Sanctuarium Maris Initiative

    In the coastal town of Tigbauan, Iloilo, a unique and impactful environmental initiative is unfolding, one that combines the energy and leadership of students with the wisdom of seasoned conservationists to protect the endangered Olive Ridley Sea turtles. The Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project, spearheaded by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors, stands as a powerful symbol of community collaboration, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to preserving marine life for future generations.

    On February 22, 2025, the project held its second seminar-training in Barangay Atabayan, a key nesting site for the Olive Ridley Sea turtle. The event gathered students, local officials, environmental advocates, and community members, united by a shared mission: to protect sea turtles and safeguard their fragile nesting grounds.

    A Collective Effort for Conservation

    At the heart of this initiative is the partnership between the WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors, the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the WVSU Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society. Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the Sanctuarium Maris project is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations, students, and local communities come together to tackle pressing environmental issues.

    “The Sanctuarium Maris project is not just about protecting sea turtles; it is about fostering a sense of shared responsibility,” said Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office, during her opening speech. She stressed that the project represents the start of a sustainable conservation movement that aims to preserve marine life for future generations.

    Education as the Cornerstone of Conservation

    One of the most striking aspects of the seminar-training was its focus on education. With the expertise of the resource speaker, participants were provided with practical knowledge and tools to ensure the survival of sea turtles and their nesting sites.

    Ms. Hananiah Pitogo, In-Charge of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC)- Tigbauan Fishworld, delivered an engaging talk on the handling of sea turtle eggs and hatchlings. Her insights were invaluable to participants, many of whom are residents of Barangay Atabayan. She emphasized the importance of proper egg handling, the establishment of marine protected areas, and the role of community-based monitoring systems in fostering long-term conservation efforts.

    Pitogo’s presentation also highlighted the dangers that sea turtle nests face, particularly from human activity. “The survival of sea turtles depends not just on the protection of their habitats but on educating local communities about the best practices for conserving them,” Pitogo noted.

    A Symbol of Hope for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

    The Olive Ridley Sea turtle, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is one of the primary species benefiting from the Sanctuarium Maris project. Barangay Atabayan, known for being one of the Philippines’ significant nesting sites for these turtles, has long faced challenges in protecting the species. Human activities such as fishing and encroachment on nesting sites have contributed to the decline in their population.

    In recent years, local conservation efforts have yielded promising results. Between 2001 and 2011, more than 100 turtles were reported stranded, many of which had injuries due to human activity. But as awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation grew, so did the number of successful rescues. In 2020 alone, 11 turtles were rescued by local volunteers, highlighting the region’s growing commitment to preserving these marine creatures.

    Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Sea Turtles

    As the Sanctuarium Maris project continues to grow, its impact extends beyond just the shores of Atabayan. The collaborative efforts of WVSU, local government units, community members, and conservationists are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious future for Iloilo and the Philippines as a whole.

    With a focus on education, community involvement, and practical conservation strategies, the Sanctuarium Maris project is poised to leave a lasting legacy. As local residents and students continue to work together, their collective efforts will ensure that the Olive Ridley Sea turtles have a fighting chance at survival—making Barangay Atabayan a symbol of hope for marine conservation efforts around the world.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO 

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