Dr. Gem B. Castillo, the National Director of EEG – Philippines, presented the “Recent Development and Innovations in NREE in the Philippines”. Mr. Darrell D. Blatchley, the President Curator of D’Bone Collector Museum Inc., discussed the “Challenges in Marine Life Preservation in Mindanao”. Moreover, Mr. Lemuel Lloyd I. Manalo, the Program Coordinator and Environment Research Specialist of IDIS Inc., introduced the “Land Use Change of Urban Wetlands in Davao City”. Dr. Teresita A. Narvaez, the Consortium Director of WESMAARRDEC, talked about the “Sustainability of Fishery Resources in Zamboanga Peninsula”. Lastly, Dr. Roy G. Ponce, the University President of Davao Oriental State University, presented the “Mt. Hamiguitan as an ASEAN Heritage Park: The Value and Learnings for Sustainability”.

Their expertise brought a new set of knowledge and a thorough understanding of the aforementioned topics, which will encourage the participants to develop research initiatives addressing various economic and environmental issues in the region and the country, as well as to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals.