The Isabela State University (ISU), through its Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), joined Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc. (TK) and various IEGs in the Maritime Domain Awareness Training. This noble event was held on September 9–11, 2025, at the Bellevue Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The training was spearheaded by TK with the generous support from the US Department of the Interior – International Technical Assistance Program. The event brought together 94 attendees such as LGU Department Heads and Technical Staff from the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, and Camarines Norte, including representatives from DENR, BFAR, DILG, DOTr, PCG, and DOT.
Representing ISU were Dr. Orlando F. Balderama, VP for Research and Development, Extension and Training, and Dr. Bondee L. Peñaflor, ISU-IEG Coordinator, who presented the background and objective of the training and as moderator, respectively. Their involvement highlighted ISU’s dedication to its partnership with TK in advancing environmental conservation and governance, not just in the province but countrywide.
The training fostered knowledge-sharing and collaboration for the management and protection of marine resources, especially that of the Philippine Rise (Benham Rise). The participants gladly received the technical know-how and valuable insights from American experts including Mr. Brian R. Hooker of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Dr. Guy Cochrane, an Emeritus Scientist from the US Geological Survey, and Mr. Grant Demesillo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In a Keynote Message delivered by ASec. Lilian De Leon, Assistant Secretary for International Relations of DILG, she stressed the need for a whole-of-society, whole-of-nation, and whole-of-government approach so that Philippine Rise will not only be protected, but valued by stakeholders. “Let this training be a catalyst for strong intergovernmental partnerships, and with our collaborative efforts, we can truly make a difference”, she added. Meanwhile, in a Solidarity Message of Mr. Nick Bruscato, Program Manager under the Office of International Affairs, US Department of Interior, he mentioned the importance of continuous partnerships between the Philippines and the US. “May this effort contribute to strengthening further our already ironclad relationship”, Bruscato emphasized.
The topics covered by high-caliber resource persons include: Overview of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA); Importance of Mapping for Maritime Domain Awareness; Importance of Mapping Human Uses; Legal Frameworks for Marine Conservation; Techniques for Benthic Ecosystem Mapping; Data Management and Analysis; Data Application; Approaches to MDA; Maritime Emergency Response; and Engaging Stakeholders. The training hall was filled with series of lectures, engaging group activities and workshops, and consultation hours, which enhanced the participants’ knowledge and skills in maritime protection and conservation, hoping to redound in the sustainable management of the marine resources in their respective jurisdictions, the Philippine Rise in general.
The university remains committed in establishing partnerships and working with local, national and international agencies in our quest to protect the grandeur of our ecosystems for the benefit of the present and future generations to come. With this, the ISU-IEG offers platforms and strategic response to the ever-increasing demand for capacity building of LGUs, including mentoring and coaching related to conservation, protection and restoration of ecosystems.
The university remains committed in establishing partnerships and working with local, national and international agencies in our quest to protect the grandeur of our ecosystems for the benefit of the present and future generations to come. With this, the ISU-IEG offers platforms and strategic response to the ever-increasing demand for capacity building of LGUs, including mentoring and coaching related to conservation, protection and restoration of ecosystems.
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#SDG17PartnershipfortheGoals
