Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) researchers presented four significant research papers at the 5th International Conference on the West Philippine Sea (ICWPS) held on August 14–15, 2025, at Western Philippine University (WPU), Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
With the theme “West Philippine Sea matters: Sustaining a healthy, resilient, and productive sea and people,” the conference gathered 111 participants from 24 provinces and four countries to share initiatives, research, and projects related to the sustainable management and inclusive growth of coastal marine areas and their communities. Dr. Amabel S. Liao, WPU president and co-chair of ICWPS, pointed out that the conference provides a platform for science-based discussion, allowing participants to interact and exchange knowledge, experiences, challenges, and plans for WPS sustainable development.
MMSU’s presentations highlighted key results from its two major research initiatives: the ASIN Center MMSU-led project titled “Development of sustainable and climate-resilient salterns: Best practices, standardization, site mapping, and design of pilot saltern farm” and the MMSU Coastal Engineering Research Center (CoastER) project titled Assessment, monitoring, and prediction of coastal flooding of selected municipalities in Region 1. Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, MMSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation, leads both projects.
From the ASIN Project, three papers focused on advancing sustainable and climate-resilient saltern development: 1) Empowering coastal communities through documenting salt-making practices: Socioeconomic contributions and industry opportunities in the Philippines; 2) Mapping potential saltern sites for salt farming in Region 1, Philippines: A science-based tool for strategic planning and community-based coastal development; and 3) Resilient salt farming in the West Philippine Sea: Community-based evaluation and extension of crystallization pond flooring for sustainable coastal livelihoods. The project’s technical staff orally presented the papers, Mr. Lord Ian R. Galano, Engr. Nadine Sharinette R. Bravo and Ms. Marinique A. Guerrero, respectively. Similarly, from the CoastER project, the paper ‘Protecting coastal livelihoods through tidal-integrated flood modelling: A case study from Padsan River basin’ was presented by Dr. Rodel T. Utrera, which offers innovative approaches to safeguarding coastal communities from flooding.
Meanwhile, Dr. Carey Bonnel, Vice President for Sustainability and Engagement at Ocean Choice International (Canada), emphasized during his keynote speech the importance of data-driven fisheries management, spatial planning, and governance to protect Palawan’s resources. The conference also featured seven plenary sessions, which covered topics such as integrated multitrophic aquaculture, endangered marine megafauna conservation, coral reef ecology and design of marine protected area networks, socio-economic and governance, microplastics as pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, climate change strategies, and community-based project implementation.
The West Philippine Sea, a maritime area within the western exclusive economic zone and a part of the South China Sea, holds rich marine biodiversity and energy resources but faces threats from overfishing, coral reef degradation, and pollution. These issues profoundly impact the marine ecosystem, commerce, and people’s economy. MMSU’s research contributions support science-based strategies for sustainable coastal management and resilient livelihoods.
