SLSU Bontoc Leads Mangrove Conservation Drive in Southern Leyte

Strengthening coastal protection and environmental awareness, the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)–Bontoc Campus conducted a Mangrove Conservation Orientation Seminar and Tree-Growing Activity across several coastal sites in Southern Leyte in February 2026.

The initiative, spearheaded by the campus’ Research, Innovation, Publication and Extension (RIPE) unit, brought together students, educators, and community members to highlight the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems and encourage active participation in coastal conservation efforts.

The activity was proposed by fisheries and marine conservation specialist Associate Professor Jimmy E. Salamida, together with extension collaborators Associate Professor Alieza O. Del Socorro, Ms. Liela C. Bejel, Ms. Rhoda Marie B. Aguillon, and Ms. Mekayla D. Lumata.

According to Salamida, mangroves play a vital role in protecting coastal communities from natural hazards while sustaining marine biodiversity.

“Mangroves serve as natural barriers that protect our shorelines from erosion, storm surges, and flooding. They also function as nursery grounds for many marine species that support fisheries and local livelihoods,” Salamida said during the orientation session.

The conservation initiative was carried out through a series of activities held on February 18, 20–21, and 28, 2026, involving different groups of participants. These included students from the NSTP–CWTS program of SLSU–Sogod Campus, learners from Bontoc National High School, and members of the Association of Graduate Students of SLSU–Sogod Campus

Field activities were conducted in ecologically significant coastal areas, including Tagbak Marine Park and mangrove areas in Barangay Mac, Sogod. Participants engaged in mangrove planting and restoration efforts aimed at strengthening coastal ecosystems and raising community awareness on environmental stewardship.

During the seminar, discussions focused on the ecological functions of mangroves, particularly their role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and climate change mitigation. The session also emphasized the growing threats to mangrove ecosystems due to environmental degradation and unsustainable coastal practices.

Participants later took part in a hands-on tree-growing activity where mangrove propagules were planted in designated coastal areas. The activity enabled students and community members to directly contribute to environmental restoration efforts while learning practical conservation approaches.

The program forms part of the extension initiatives of SLSU–Bontoc, particularly in advancing community engagement, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable coastal resource management.

Through initiatives such as the mangrove conservation drive, SLSU–Bontoc continues to promote environmental responsibility among students and communities while strengthening collaborative efforts to protect coastal ecosystems in Southern Leyte.

Organizers expressed hope that sustained awareness and participation from academic institutions and local communities will contribute to the long-term protection of mangrove habitats and the resilience of coastal communities.