{"id":46,"date":"2023-04-09T07:16:45","date_gmt":"2023-04-09T07:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/?page_id=46"},"modified":"2025-11-07T08:43:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T08:43:55","slug":"press","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/press\/","title":{"rendered":"Press"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"46\" class=\"elementor elementor-46\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-25debc12 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"25debc12\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a887cc6\" data-id=\"a887cc6\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ac01a9a elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ac01a9a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-955 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-press\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/2019\/12\/21\/uplb-leads-conserve-kaigangan-program-in-samar\/\" target=\"_self\" >UPLB leads CONserve-KAIGANGAN Program in Samar<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2019-12-21T08:53:53+00:00\">December 21, 2019<\/time><\/div><figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/2019\/12\/21\/uplb-leads-conserve-kaigangan-program-in-samar\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"UPLB leads CONserve-KAIGANGAN Program in Samar\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-1024x432.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-768x324.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-1536x647.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/1-2048x863.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Written by\u00a0Paul John Tolentino Consistent with the mandate to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems, the University of the Philippines Los Ba\u00f1os spearheads the CONserve-KAIGANGAN biodiversity program in selected municipalities in Samar Island, starting January 2019. The program, entitled \u201cAssessment and Conservation of Forest over Limestone Ecosystem Biodiversity in Selected Municipalities of Samar Island, Philippines,\u201d aims to&hellip;<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__more-text\"><a class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/2019\/12\/21\/uplb-leads-conserve-kaigangan-program-in-samar\/\">read more...<\/a><\/p><\/div><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Preserving the Biodiversity of Ulot Riparian Zones: A Continuing Collaborative Research Initiative in Samar Island Natural Park<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May 06, 2024<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Written by Anne Frances Buhay<\/em><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"1234\" class=\"wp-image-1234\" src=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-Research-Team-towards-study-plots.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"1235\" class=\"wp-image-1235\" src=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Riparian-Kaigangan-research-team-with-FERD-PCAARRD-DOST-for-monitoring-activity.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project &#8220;<em>Biodiversity Assessment of the Riparian Zone in Ulot River in the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Kaigangan<\/em>&#8221; started in January 2024 and is made possible through funding by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) through the Grants-in-Aid Program (GIA), monitored by the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD). The study was initially led by Dr. Inocencio E. Buot Jr and served as the project leader. In May 2024, the leadership was transferred to Dr. Maria Celeste N. Banaticla-Hilario. With her is the dedicated team comprising of a Project Technical Specialist IV and Co-Project Leader, Ms. Anne Frances V. Buhay; a Project Staff, Ms. Lailani Masungsong; and CIP Graduate Fellow, Ms. Marne Origenes.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br \/>This project is an extension of the CONserve-KAIGANGAN Program that began in 2019. It represents a collaborative effort between the University of the Philippines Los Ba\u00f1os (UPLB), Samar State University (SSU), Eastern Samar State University-Borongan (ESSU-Borongan), and local people\u2019s organizations including Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar (BOSIS) and the Tourguide and Boat Operators for Environmental Development Organization (TORPEDO). With the support of these institutions and organizations, the research team aims to better understand and preserve the biodiversity of the riparian zone along the Ulot River, the longest river in the Samar Island Natural Park.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br \/>Last April 22, 2024, the FERD team visited the location of the plot establishments as part of project monitoring. From April 24 to May 03, 2024, the research team, which includes Anne Frances Buhay and Marne Origenes from UPLB, Dr. Noba Hilvano of ESSU-Borongan, and Dr. Edelyn Echapare of SSU, conducted primary data gathering. During this period, they collected data on woody plant species and primary pollinators, such as insects and birds. These data are crucial for assessing the biodiversity of the riparian zone and developing conservation strategies to protect this unique ecosystem. The collaboration and fieldwork underscore the commitment to conserving the rich biodiversity of Samar Island. The research findings from this project will play a significant role in strengthening the nomination of SINP as a UNESCO World Heritage Park.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Promoting Ulot Watershed Conservation by Sharing Biodiversity Information to the Community<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">September 30, 2024<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Written by Anne Frances Buhay<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The third phase of the CONserve KAIGANGAN was made possible through the project Biodiversity Assessment of Riparian Zone in Ulot River in Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Kaigangan, funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The project aimed to assess the floral biodiversity of the Ulot River in SINP and develop sustainable conservation practices to reduce climate change impacts and flood risks. It focused on studying the river&#8217;s morphology, biodiversity, and ecological properties, and identifying priority conservation zones using GIS technology. The target beneficiaries of this research were the local communities residing near the Ulot River.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br \/>A seminar was held at the headquarters of the local PO, Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar (BOSIS), to share preliminary findings from the research activities. BOSIS has been an active partner with CONserve-KAIGANGAN since the project&#8217;s inception. Another key partner is the Tour Guides &amp; Boat Operators for River Protection &amp; Environmental Development Organization (TORPEDO), which focuses on ecotourism activities along the Ulot River. Additionally, the Tenani Association for Women and Development (TAWAD) offers tour guide services within the SINP.<br \/>Project Technical Specialist Anne Frances Buhay presented an overview of the Ulot Watershed, including general information and maps highlighting its general characteristics. She emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy watershed and enumerated the benefits and ecosystem services it provides to the local community. Ms. Buhay also presented the flood-prone areas within the watershed, alerting the POs of potential hazards in Samar and Eastern Samar.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" class=\"wp-image-1240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-watersehd-seminar-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br \/>Following her presentation, Project Leader Dr. Maria Celeste Banaticla-Hilario, shared preliminary results of the floral and faunal inventories conducted in the riparian zones of the Ulot River. She emphasized the importance of biodiversity in the area and discussed the research study sites, and the species identified, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Ulot Riparian Ecosystem. Dr. Banaticla-Hilario also explained the threats facing the ecosystem and their impacts on both the environment and the local community. She concluded the seminar by challenging the participants to be actively involved in the conservation and sustainable management of the Ulot Riparian Ecosystem&#8217;s natural resources.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" class=\"wp-image-1241\" src=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ulot-biodiversity-seminar-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Empowering Communities in Samar: Sustainable Livelihood Training and Riparian Biodiversity Awareness for Local Peoples\u2019 Organizations<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">October 01, 2024<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Written by Anne Frances Buhay<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CONserve KAIGANGAN project implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Ba\u00f1os, together with collaborators, Prof. Diana Shane Balindo and Dr. Edelyn Echapare of Samar State University (SSU), and Dr. Noba Hilvano of Eastern Samar State University, conducted a training and focus group discussion (FGD) last September 20, 2024 at the Headquarters of the\u00a0Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar (BOSIS). The event was held for local people&#8217;s organizations (POs) in Paranas, Samar.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Echapare, along with SSU staff members Ms. Gladys Colandog, Ms. Maria Angelica Alcantara, Ms. Lady Ann Fabillar, and Ms. Mary Rose Cerde\u00f1a, led the training on harvesting and preparing raw materials for coconut winemaking. The training emphasized the sustainable use of natural resources from the forests of Samar while providing additional income opportunities for the community. The participants learned proper harvesting methods that mitigate harmful disturbance to the forest resources.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdwXJU6ak5pp37Cgm_1PSgXcfajOLnYvSeM85QKBrY9l3UVQAF-JxSGB6mF5OIvag0MbIL1n6YbtPG6PVxqRbl5nyuac8iNoLO2B-KpHewomdErPStKWZQAD2q8NqgKg8dvFsQZZHfOOf1hQIGKGA?key=ZAXBCQXFMKsDMoOBVRrihPNG\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FGD, led by Dr. Hilvano, explored the local community&#8217;s awareness, perceptions, and knowledge about the importance of biodiversity in riparian ecosystems and of the observed flooding in Ulot River. The participants discussed the challenges, issues, and threats facing the riparian zones of the Ulot River. The local POs involved in the activity included Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar (BOSIS), Tourguide and Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development (TORPEDO), and Tenani Association for Women and Development (TAWAD).<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXe_xetw5yHsM4UuZ6cXmtEM0VZYsUONO6VRPMsZyCa_l_sD09bZOybFl0NVI0Ir6xas1D86p3USFpRwfhY65gz6KMCMP8-DGs2vb8AUeAeqaiDHNRX_-nzYdu_mbK990KJH-MIXzGMP81hqH8_dUQk?key=ZAXBCQXFMKsDMoOBVRrihPNG\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengthening Partnerships: POs of Samar Join Forces in CONserve KAIGANGAN\u2019s 3rd Phase for Riparian Biodiversity Conservation<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">October 4, 2024<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em> Written by Anne Frances Buhay<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project \u201cBiodiversity Assessment of Riparian Zone in Ulot River in Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Kaigangan\u201d is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The project aimed to assess the floral biodiversity of the Ulot River in SINP and develop sustainable conservation practices to reduce climate change impacts and flood risks. It focused on studying the river&#8217;s morphology, biodiversity, and ecological properties, and identifying priority conservation zones using GIS technology.Since the launch of the CONserve KAIGANGAN program in 2019, led by Dr. Inocencio Buot Jr., two (2) local People&#8217;s Organizations (POs) from Samar, Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar (BOSIS) and Tourguide and Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development (TORPEDO) have actively participated in project activities, including field data collection, training, and seminars.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This project marks the third phase of the CONserve KAIGANGAN program, continuing its collaboration with BOSIS and TORPEDO. Additionally, the Tenani Association for Women and Development (TAWAD), having actively participated in previous extension activities, is now officially recognized as a partner. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) \u2013 signing event was held on September 21, 2024, at the BOSIS Headquarters in Barangay San Isidro, Paranas, Samar. This MOA signing formalized CONserve-KAIGANGAN\u2019s official partnership with TAWAD, and its continued and reinforced collaboration with BOSIS and TORPEDO. PO presidents Danilo Miralles (BOSIS), Eugene Igdalino (TORPEDO), and Elizabeth Doza (TAWAD) signed the MOAs, with witnesses Ms. Rose Mae Merencillo and Ms. Emely Villocero from Samar Island Natural Park-Protected Area Management Office (SINP-PAMO), alongside the CONserve KAIGANGAN team. By forging alliances with the local community, the project aspires to effectively promote awareness and conservation of the Ulot Riparian Biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"367\" class=\"wp-image-1247\" src=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing-1024x367.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing-1024x367.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing-300x108.png 300w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing-768x276.png 768w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing-500x179.png 500w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing-800x287.png 800w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing-1280x459.png 1280w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MOA-signing.png 1430w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 4 of Conserve Kaigangan Program takes roots: setting the scene for plant propagation and conservation in Samar Island Natural Park<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">July 08, 2025<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Written by John Ryan L. Navidad<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fourth phase of the DOST-PCAARRD funded CONserve-Kaigangan program, \u201cPropagation and Conservation of the Top Priority Plants in the Forests over Limestone of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), Samar Island, Philippines,\u201d has officially commenced with its initial fieldwork conducted within SINP in Paranas, Samar. The two-week activity (June 23 \u2013 July 6, 2025) was led by For. Anne Frances Buhay, For. John Ryan Navidad, and For. Stephanie Dimalanta, together with project consultant Asst. Prof. Nadine Coronado and Ms. Clarissa Escalona, a MS Botany student from the University of the Philippines Los Ba\u00f1os.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br \/>The team conducted comprehensive field surveys, revisited the previously monitored sites, and photo-documented the identified top priority plant species for conservation in SINP. They also located individual plus trees and mother trees, collected available seeds and seedlings for pilot propagation testing, and started nursery preparations, including site cleaning and layout setting, to support future propagation trials. As part of the project\u2019s collaborative activities, the team met with local partner people&#8217;s organizations, Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar (BOSIS) and the Tour Guide and Boat Operators for Environmental Development Organization (TORPEDO). A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed during the visit to formalize the partnerships and support community participation in conservation efforts.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br \/>The team also visited Samar State University to strengthen academic linkages with collaborators Dr. Edelyn Echapare and Prof. Diana Shane Balindo. In addition, the group met with SINP Protected Area Superintendent (PaSu) Leona Tumamak, to align the project\u2019s activities with local conservation goals and implementation strategies.<br \/>The team is set to return to SINP in the coming months, for further propagule collection, nursery experiments, and propagation trials. This project aims to develop effective propagation techniques for enhancing and sustaining populations of the top priority plant species in the forests over limestone, contributing to the long-term biodiversity conservation of Samar Island\u2019s unique ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"550\" class=\"wp-image-1304\" src=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image.png 975w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-500x282.png 500w, https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-800x451.png 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ee0e3d7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"ee0e3d7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4235c8d\" data-id=\"4235c8d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d28185 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"9d28185\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-449929e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"449929e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sustaining Life: Continuous Efforts in Propagation and Conservation of Priority Species<\/h1>\n<p>November 5, 2025<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><i>Written by John Ryan Navidad<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The CONserve-KAIGANGAN team conducted fieldwork activities during the first and second quarters within the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) in Paranas, Samar. For the third quarter, the team organized a one-day training on October 23, 2025, as the third phase of the project\u2019s activities. The event entitled \u201cConserving Samar\u2019s Natural Ecosystems: Research Highlights on the Ulot Riparian Ecosystem and Orientation on the Propagation of Local Priority Plants for Conservation\u201d was held at the BOSIS Headquarters in San Isidro, Paranas, Samar.<\/p>\n<p>The training was led by the CONserve-KAIGANGAN team in partnership with Samar State University (SSU) and Eastern Samar State University (ESSU). It was attended by People\u2019s Organizations (POs) such as Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar (BOSIS) and Tour guide and Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization (TORPEDO), along with representatives from the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). The session featured the presentation of Phase 3 project outputs covering the two-year project, delivered by For. Anne Frances V. Buhay. As Phase 3 is set to&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/press-release\/\">Read more&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Preserving the Biodiversity of Ulot Riparian Zones: A Continuing Collaborative Research Initiative in Samar Island Natural Park May 06, 2024 Written by Anne Frances Buhay The project &#8220;Biodiversity Assessment of the Riparian Zone in Ulot River in the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) Kaigangan&#8221; started in January 2024 and is made possible through funding by [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-46","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1334,"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46\/revisions\/1334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.projwebdb.com\/kaigangan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}