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SDG 14 Life below Water

In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) actively advances the advocacy of SDG 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Recognizing Bataan’s strategic coastal location and its rich marine biodiversity, BPSU takes a proactive role in promoting environmental stewardship through education, research, extension programs, and community partnerships.

Through various initiatives—such as coastal cleanups, mangrove reforestation, marine conservation education, and sustainable fisheries programs—BPSU reinforces its commitment to protecting aquatic ecosystems and empowering communities to take part in preserving marine life. These efforts embody the University’s vision of sustainability and its dedication to fostering environmental responsibility among students, faculty, and partner stakeholders.

14.2.1 FRESH-WATER ECOSYSTEM

Community Outreach: Offering Educational Programs on Freshwater Ecosystems Conservation and Management for Communities

As part of the Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences’ (IFAS) technical services, Mr. Mark Nell C. Corpuz, faculty member and environmental consultant, served as a resource person for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) activities conducted in various coastal municipalities surrounding Laguna de Bay. His lecture focused on the ecological implications of illegal fishing and unregulated aquaculture practices on the lake ecosystem, emphasizing their effects on water quality, habitat integrity, and fisheries productivity.

The activity was participated in by over 100 stakeholders representing the municipalities of Kalayaan, Pila, and Lumban in the Province of Laguna. Attendees included members of local government units, fisheries and aquatic resources management councils (FARMCs), fisherfolk associations, and other community organizations. The session concluded with an open forum that facilitated a constructive exchange on the objectives, potential impacts, and mitigation strategies related to the proposed projects affecting the lake environment.

Technical Scoping and Public Consultation for the Laguna de Bay Coastal Communities

As part of the technical scoping and public consultation activities for the proposed floating solar projects in Laguna de Bay, Prof. Mark Nell C. Corpuz served as a consultant and resource person to provide scientific and technical insights on the ecological and fisheries aspects of the project. The consultations were held with various stakeholders from the municipalities of Victoria and Santa Cruz, Laguna, and were organized to assess potential environmental implications and gather public feedback on the proposed developments.

During the consultation sessions, Prof. Corpuz discussed key topics related to water resource management, fisheries conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His presentation emphasized the importance of maintaining ecological balance in Laguna de Bay, the largest inland water body in the Philippines, and one of the most productive freshwater ecosystems supporting thousands of fishers and aquaculture operators. He elaborated on the threats posed by illegal aquaculture structures and unregulated capture fisheries, which contribute to habitat degradation, reduced water quality, and the decline of native fish populations.

Prof. Corpuz also provided scientific perspectives on how floating solar projects could be designed and implemented with minimal ecological disturbance. He recommended the integration of environmental safeguards, proper zoning, and monitoring mechanisms to mitigate possible adverse effects on fisheries and aquatic habitats.

The activity was attended by representatives from local government units, people’s organizations, fishers’ associations, and other key sectors directly dependent on the lake’s resources. An open forum followed the technical discussions, allowing participants to raise concerns and recommendations regarding both the project and the ongoing conservation initiatives in the area.

The consultancy engagement contributed to a more comprehensive evaluation of the project’s environmental and socio-economic dimensions. Prof. Corpuz’s participation ensured that fisheries and aquatic resource conservation were given significant consideration in the environmental impact assessment process, aligning with the broader goal of achieving sustainable resource utilization and responsible development in Laguna de Bay.

The results of the public scoping and consultation were presented for evaluation before the technical panel composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR–EMB). The review also included the participation of technical experts from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the academe, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), and other designated representatives from the DENR.

14.2.2 SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES

Community Outreach: Offering Educational Programs on Freshwater Ecosystems Conservation and Management for Communities on sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

Apart from the knowledge transfer and EIA activities in Laguna de Bay conducted by Assoc Prof. other faculty members of the IFAS and BPSU Orani Campus have been actively involved in extension projects centered on the conservation and rehabilitation of degraded mangrove areas in Orani and Orion, Bataan. These initiatives, implemented under the MANGAL Project, aim to promote sustainable fisheries management and to mitigate illegal and destructive fishing practices within the mangrove ecosystems of these municipalities.

The project implemented a series of seminars and training activities for selected beneficiaries and stakeholders from the communities of Orion and Orani, Bataan. Conducted from June to September 2024, the seminars aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and awareness of mangrove biodiversity, the ecological and socio-economic importance of mangroves to fisheries and coastal communities, and proper species selection and site suitability for mangrove rehabilitation.

Topics included identifying appropriate mangrove species for specific habitats, assessing soil characteristics, selecting high-quality propagules, determining suitable seedling sources, and understanding ecological factors that influence mangrove growth and survival. The sessions also strengthened participants’ understanding of the diverse aquatic flora and fauna dependent on mangrove ecosystems, emphasizing their role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting fisheries productivity.

Complementing the seminars, the training component involved hands-on participation in mangrove rehabilitation and transplantation activities in designated areas. Through these activities, the stakeholders gained practical experience in mangrove restoration techniques and fostered a sense of stewardship toward the sustainable management.

As of this writing, there were more than 1,000 mangrove propagules have been planted in select strategic rehabilitation sites across the municipalities of Orion and Orani, Bataan. The tree-planting activities were participated in by approximately 1,000 individuals, including community members from partner coastal areas and students from Bataan Peninsula State University. These collective efforts reflect the strong collaboration between the academe and local stakeholders in restoring and conserving mangrove ecosystems to support sustainable fisheries and coastal resilience.

It is noteworthy to report that the current MANGAL Project serves as a continuation of the previously implemented initiative of the same name, which focused on the aquasilviculture program for the Tubu-Tubo Fisherfolk Association in Orani, Bataan. The earlier phase of the project successfully established the foundations for sustainable livelihood and environmental stewardship among the previous participating fisherfolk. Building on this achievement, the present MANGAL Project was developed to further strengthen mangrove rehabilitation and community-based resource management efforts in other strategic coastal areas of the Province.

The continuation of this project underscores the sustained partnership between BPSU, and the Tubu-Tubo Fisherfolk Association. The accomplishments realized this year represent a direct extension of the legacy initiated through the the partnership during pandemic (circa 2021) until 2023, reflecting the long-term commitment of both the academe to coastal rehabilitation, sustainable fisheries, and environmental conservation.

14.2.3 OVERFISHING

Offer Educational Outreach Activities for Local or National Communities to Raise Awareness About Overfishing, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Destructive Fishing Practices

Mark Nell C. Corpuz, faculty of IFAS was tapped to serve as the Resource Person during the Training-Workshop on Fish Identification for the implementers and employees of the Fisheries Industry Development and Support Services Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of Central Office located in Quezon City, Philippines. The event was held in Dingalan, Aurora last 15-19 April 2024.

Assoc. Prof. Corpuz delivered a series of lectures covering the taxonomy, classification, and key morphological characteristics of commercially important fish and aquatic resources in the Philippines. His discussion also included species listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and those regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), emphasizing their conservation status and trade implications.

Participants were involved in fishery resources identification, field activities including ocular visits to local fish retailers and traders, as well as hands-on exercises in specimen identification and photo-documentation of aquatic/ fishery resources caught from Central Luzon. The training emphasized the importance of species conservation and sustainable trade practices, particularly for fishery resources that are declining in the wild yet continue to appear in commercial markets. The workshop also emphasized the critical role of proper identification, documentation, and reporting among BFAR personnel. The capacity-building sessions aimed to enhance their competence in distinguishing threatened species, ensuring accurate data collection, and relaying verified information to relevant authorities for appropriate management and enforcement actions.

The participants of this workshop are directly involved in monitoring fish and other fishery resources traded across various markets in the Philippines. The activity was designed to enhance their knowledge and awareness of the ecological and economic repercussions of illegal and destructive fishing practices on the country’s fishery resources. Strengthening their capacity in this area is essential to ensure responsible monitoring, management, and regulation of aquatic products entering trade and consumption channels.

The workshop also included sessions on the classification and assessment of fishery stocks that are experiencing population decline in the wild due to overexploitation within different Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) nationwide. Discussions covered key fish species of concern, their conservation statuses, and region-specific challenges related to overfishing and habitat degradation.

Furthermore, the participants were trained to serve as advocates of sustainable fisheries by disseminating information to traders and consumers on the importance of responsible harvesting and the urgent need to protect threatened and overfished species. This participatory approach aims to foster a more informed and instigate conservation-oriented fishery trade network across the country.

14.3 SUPPORTING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS THROUGH ACTION

BPSU Supports the 61st Fish Conservation Week

The university was represented by IFAS faculty members, Ms. Lisette B. Tapang and Mr. Elmar P. Igarta who received a Plaque of Recognition from BFAR as one of the 37 institutional stakeholders acknowledged for their commitment to upholding the bureau’s mandates, particularly in fisheries conservation and sustainable resource management. The recognition was conferred during the 61st Fish Conservation Week celebration held in San Fernando City, Pampanga. This acknowledgment highlights BPSU’s continuing efforts to advance research, education, and community engagement programs that promote the conservation and responsible utilization of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

BPSU Communities Engage in International Coastal Cleanup Activities

BPSU Co-Organizes in the Annual Pawikan Festival and Sea Turtle Conservation Initiatives

The BPSU, as a key member of the 1PawiCAN Alliance in Bataan, actively participated in and co-organized the annual Pawikan Festival in Morong, Bataan. The event emphasizes the conservation and rehabilitation of the endangered marine sea turtle, locally known as “Pawikan,” and serves as a platform to raise public awareness on marine biodiversity protection and eco-tourism of the province. The 1PawiCAN Alliance is composed of various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community stakeholders from Bataan and some part of the the western coast of Luzon. Members of the alliance are actively engaged in research, extension, and outreach programs aimed at safeguarding marine turtles and their habitats. Through its involvement in the festival, BPSU contributes to both advocacy and community-based initiatives that promote the protection of these threatened marine bioindicators.

BPSU Supports the Annual Earth Hour Campaign

The University participated in the 2024 global Earth Hour initiative, demonstrating its commitment to energy conservation and environmental sustainability. During the event, all campuses of the university observe a coordinated power shutdown, turning off major electrical systems for one hour or more to minimize energy consumption and promote awareness of climate change mitigation. This activity serves as part of BPSU’s advocacy to reduce carbon emissions and overall carbon footprint. By supporting Earth Hour, the university reinforces the importance of collective action in addressing global warming and protecting ecosystems, particularly aquatic environments that are highly vulnerable to climate-induced changes.

BPSU - BFAR - PGENRO Collaboration

In collaboration with BFAR, the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), and the Ichthus Society of IFAS BPSU facilitated the Seminar on Endangered Species in Fisheries and Financial Literacy Training under the Fish N’ Learn Technique program, integrating species conservation education with socio-economic empowerment of local fishing communities.

14.3.3 MAINTAIN ECOSYSTEM AND THEIR BIODIVERSITY

Conservation of Placuna Placenta (Windowpane Oyster) in Samal, Bataan

Placuna placenta, locally known as kapis or windowpane oyster, is an ecologically and economically important bivalve species in Bataan, particularly in the municipality of Samal. The translucent shells of kapis are widely utilized in the production of decorative crafts, furniture, jewelry, and various ornamental materials, supporting a thriving local industry often referred to as the “kapisan” industry.

However, the natural populations of P. placenta have been steadily declining due to overharvesting, habitat degradation, and other anthropogenic pressures. In response, local government units, in collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders, have initiated conservation and rehabilitation efforts to restore the species’ population and protect its natural habitats. These collective actions aim to ensure the sustainability of the kapis industry while maintaining the ecological balance of coastal ecosystems in Samal, Bataan.

Trough the Municipal Agriculture Office of Samal, Bataan, Mayor Arizapa tapped the expertise of Assoc. Prof. Mark Nell C. Corpuz as part of its roster of experts to evaluate the water quality and habitat parameters within and around the Kapiz Sanctuary. As part of the project, he conducted an ecological evaluation of both the aquatic and adjacent terrestrial communities near the Kapiz Sanctuary.

His assessment included the analysis of ecological attributes of the sanctuary’s waters and habitat condition. These evaluations aim to generate scientific data that will guide the management and conservation strategies for the area. The collaboration, which spans from 2024 to 2026 is expected to contribute to the sustainable management of the Kapiz Sanctuary by providing science-based recommendations for habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of local fisheries productivity.

14.3.4 TECHNOLOGIES TOWARDS AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM DAMAGE PREVENTION

Project SIPIT

The SIPIT Project is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Program. The project aims to enhance existing crab fattening technologies by integrating a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to promote sustainable and efficient production.

While the primary objective is to increase productivity and profitability among technology adopters, the project also emphasizes environmental management, particularly in wastewater treatment and resource efficiency. The RAS-based system is designed to optimize water use, improve waste filtration, and remove pathogenic microorganisms, thereby ensuring that effluents discharged after the culture period are safe for the natural environment

The project incorporates advanced filtration and water quality management technologies, including mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration components. These mechanisms collectively enhance water reuse, reduce the ecological footprint of aquaculture operations, and demonstrate the feasibility of eco-efficient crab fattening systems adaptable to local production settings.

Through the implementation of the enhanced Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), the project ensured that effluent water discharged into the natural environment exhibited significantly reduced concentrations of ammonia and nitrate—both of which are toxic nitrogenous compounds detrimental to aquatic ecosystems.

Findings from the study revealed substantial reductions in ammonia and nitrate levels, with values maintained within acceptable limits established for aquaculture discharge standards. Similarly, microbiological assessments indicated that both the cultured crab samples and rearing water contained pathogenic bacterial counts within permissible levels following the RAS-based culture period.

These results demonstrate the system’s effectiveness in improving water quality, minimizing environmental pollution, and maintaining the microbiological safety of cultured species, thereby supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.

14.4.1 WATER SENSITIVE WASTE PROPOSAL

Provision of Spetic Tanks Drainage System

Apart from the wastewater management technologies (ozonation, denitrification, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, artificial aeration, and mechanical filtration) used by SIPIT and MADS projects, the University ensures full compliance with national standards on water discharge and sanitation. Water quality standards for school and institutional effluents in the Philippines are governed by the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. All campus buildings are equipped with functional septic tanks for toilets and properly designed drainage systems for kitchen and wash areas to prevent water stagnation and contamination.

BPSU Fishponds

The BPSU aquaculture brackishwater fishpond (14°48.5’N, 120°32.6’ E) is situated at Tubotubo Island of Palihan, Orani, Bataan (below). The site is only around 400 m from the Orani fish port (consignacion) and thus accessible to many fish traders, and middle buyers. The pond, which consists of two main compartments for grow-out production is dedicated for the polyculture of milkfish (Chanos chanos), mudcrab (Scylla serrata), and giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). The wetland where the ponds are located has small patch of mangroves (predominated by Rhyzophora sp.) and is highly influenced by freshwater influx from the rivers of Tapulao and Almacen that empties into the Manila Bay.

The inflow and discharge of pond water are influenced by tidal movements and are regulated through concrete gates or prisas before entering the culture ponds. Incoming water first passes through a designated settling pond compartment, where mangroves are planted to function as a natural filtration system. These mangroves help trap sediments and absorb excess nutrients, thereby improving water quality before it enters the grow-out ponds.

Concrete sluice gates in the BPSU aquaculture ponds are fitted with protective nets to prevent the entry of unwanted species and debris. The settling ponds within the two growth-out systems are planted with mangrove species, particularly Rhizophora spp., which serve multiple ecological functions stabilizing pond banks and dikes, enhancing sediment retention, and providing natural biofiltration. This integration of mangrove-based aquaculture demonstrates the university’s commitment to sustainable aquaculture practices by combining production efficiency with ecological restoration and environmental protection.

14.4.2 ACTION PLAN TO REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE

14.4.3 REDUCING MARINE POLLUTION

BPSU's Efforts to Reduce Marine Pollution

Much of the implementation of the solid waste management policy of BPSU is focused on minimizing plastic pollution. The university has established programs and facilities for proper collection, segregation, and treatment of solid waste in accordance with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

In the aquaculture facilities, water discharge quality is regularly monitored to ensure that ammonia and nitrite concentrations remain within permissible limits as defined by national water quality standards. These measures are part of the university’s efforts to mitigate nutrient pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Despite these improvements, there remain significant opportunities to strengthen the management of other pollution sources. These include the control and treatment of hazardous chemicals, medical waste, agricultural residues, oils and hydrocarbons from the motor pool, and heavy metals. Future initiatives aim to establish more comprehensive waste treatment systems that address these contaminants, thereby enhancing the institution’s overall environmental compliance and sustainability performance.

14.5 MAINTAINING A LOCAL ECOSYSTEM

14.5.2 MONITORING THE HEALTH ECOSYSTEM

Student's Research Works on Aquatic Ecosystem Health Evaluation

In 2023-2024, the BPSU IFAS lead in advancing aquatic health research through a series of studies focusing on fish-based bioassessment, water quality monitoring, and ecological evaluation of inland water systems in Central Luzon. These research works highlight IFAS’s scientific contribution toward understanding aquatic ecosystem dynamics and promoting sustainable management of freshwater resources.

One of the flagship studies, “Development of Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) for Alangan River System, Limay, Bataan, Philippines” by Luis Marko M. Geñega developed a localized biotic index using fish assemblages as ecological indicators. This study correlated FIBI scores with water and habitat quality indices, revealing that the Alangan River exhibited varying ecological conditions influenced by land use and habitat structure. The results underscored the sensitivity of fish communities to environmental changes, establishing FIBI as a valuable biomonitoring tool for Philippine freshwater ecosystems. In Zambales, IFAS researcher extended this approach through the study “Application of Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity to Assess the Ecological Condition of Looc Lake, Castillejos, Zambales” by Jiana Mae D. Medina. This research applied the FIBI framework to a lake environment, evaluating species composition and habitat variables to determine ecological integrity.