- June 22, 2026
Mapúa MCL Biology Students Champion Marine Conservation in Lian, Batangas
Last June 18, 2026, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) B.S. Biology students taking General Ecology and Wildlife Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation under the College of Health Sciences participated in a service-learning activity and a mangrove conservation tour and research in Barangay Lumaniag, Lian, Batangas. This community is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) located in Sitio Kay Reyna, a community-managed marine sanctuary recognized for its vibrant coral reef ecosystems and its vital role in protecting local marine biodiversity within the Verde Island Passage corridor.
The students explored the cove and the protected marine area around Kawan Beach House and Sanctuary, as well as the training center of the Lian Fisherfolk Association (LFA). Jordan Tolentino, owner of Kawan Beach House, coordinated the collaboration among Mapúa MCL, the Lian Fisherfolk Association, the local barangay, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
Additionally, the students donated to the Lian Fisherfolk Association to support their programs, including crab culture, the creation of artificial coral reefs, mangrove seedling propagation, and other educational initiatives.
Through activities like these, aspiring biologists deepen their understanding of conservation efforts and recognize the critical role communities play in protecting coastal and marine ecosystems for future generations.
This activity aligns with Mapúa MCL’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 15: Life on Land.
