The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-MIMAROPA (DENR-MIMAROPA) has partnered with Palawan State University (PalawanSU) and Western Philippines University (WPU) to establish the Snake Island and El Nido Marine Scientific Research Stations that will serve as key centers for marine science and conservation in northern Palawan.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed Friday, October 10 in El Nido, with DENR-MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol Jr., PalawanSU President Dr. Ramon M. Docto, and WPU representative Dr. Amabel S. Liao leading the signing ceremony.
Witnessing the event were key officials, including DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau Assistant Director Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt, El Nido Mayor Edna Gacot-Lim, Palawan PENRO Felizardo B. Cayatoc, Taytay CENRO Officer Conrado M. Corpuz, and DENR-MIMAROPA Assistant Director Maximo Landrito. Representatives from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), DOST-Palawan, Palawan PNP, and Philippine Coast Guard were also present.
According to the DENR, the establishment of the research stations underscores the importance of collaboration among government, academe, and local partners in promoting science-based conservation and ensuring the long-term protection of Palawan’s marine resources.
The marine research stations will serve as hubs for scientific research, capacity building, and the sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems.
A groundbreaking ceremony followed the MOA signing, marking the start of construction for the facilities.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
