The Sorsogon State University-Magallanes Campus, through the Office of Extension Services, formally entered into a partnership with environmental organizations and community stakeholders to strengthen mangrove conservation initiatives. The collaboration was solidified through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on November 13, 2025, at SorSU Magallanes Campus Postharvest Building, Magallanes, Sorsogon.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome message from Prof. Lynn C. Mendoza (Campus Director, Magallanes Campus). This was followed by project overviews presented by Mr. Michael H. Galapon (Project leader, Project TEACH) and Ms. Cyra Mae R. Soreda (Project Leader, Project MANKNOW).
The Project MANKNOW (Mangrove Awareness and Knowledge for Nature’s Nurture) and Project TEACH (Training Empowers Advocates: Cultivating and Harnessing Skills for Sustainable Development) aim to advance community-based mangrove conservation by integrating science-based management, capacity-building, and participatory approaches.
The event culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement among SorSU, United Caditaan Mangrove Conservation, World Wildlife Fund, and the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Office (MENRO-Magallanes). Through these partnerships, SorSU and its collaborators strive to protect, restore, and sustain the health and productivity of mangrove ecosystems.
In her message delivered in Filipino, SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, said, “Ako ay labis na nagagalak sapagkat marami tayong sumusuporta sa mga programang pangkalikasan. Mahalagang pangalagaan natin ang ating kapaligiran sapagkat ito ang pinagmumulan ng ating kabuhayan at proteksyon na rin sa pagbabago ng klima at mga natural na kalamidad. Ang SorSU ay nakikiisa at makikipagtulungan sa bayan ng Magallanes, DENR, at World Wildlife Fund upang ang mga residente ay magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan upang mapangalagaan ang mga bakawan at kalikasan at upang makamit ang kaunlarang panlipunan at ekonomiya na hindi nasisira ang kapaligiran.”
Statements of commitment were delivered by Project TEACH Community Partners, including Hon. Leni E. Camo (Brgy. Captain, Brgy. Malbog), Hon. Jovita A. De Vera (Brgy. Captain, Brgy. Salvacion), and Hon. Eva D. Balaoro (Brgy. Captain, Brgy. Ginangra). Commitments of Support were also expressed by Mr. Danilo Batolbatol (President, United Caditaan Mangrove Conservation), Hon. Nenia Gime (Brgy. Kagawad, Brgy. Caditaan), Ms. Eden L. Ariate (PDO II/OIC-MENRO), Hon. Maria Elena Ramora M. Ragragio (Municipal Mayor, Magallanes, Sorsogon), and Dr. Manuel E. Narvadez Jr. (Representative, World Wildlife Fund).
The program wrapped up with a closing address from Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension and Training).
Through this initiative, Sorsogon State University affirms its position as an academic institution committed to promoting environmental stewardship and community partnership in the pursuit of sustainable coastal resource management. (SorSU PIO)
