SDG 15: Life on Land

The Department of Biological Science of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) in collaboration with the WE CARE Office hosted a lecture-seminar entitled “A Greener Iligan for a Sustainable Future: Conserving Local Flora for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Mitigation” last October 28, 2024. 

The main objective of the lecture is to educate and engage the community, particularly policymakers, mentors, students, and other stakeholders, about the essential role that local flora plays in combating climate change.

Three key lectures were presented:

1. Lecture 1: Benefits of Trees for Livable and Sustainable Communities, by Asst. Prof. Christina A. Barazona-Cuevas, highlighted the ecological and social benefits of integrating greenery into urban spaces.

2. Lecture 2: Inventory of Plants in Urban Green Spaces and Its Implications for Conservation, by Asst. Prof. Muhmin Michael E. Manting, emphasized the need for comprehensive plant inventories to aid conservation efforts.

3. Lecture 3: Importance of Carbon Stock Assessment in Mitigating Climate Change, by Asst. Prof. Jaime Q. Guihawan, focused on the significance of carbon stock assessments to inform climate resilience strategies.

By the end of the seminar, attendees had acquired both academic knowledge and practical advice on how to apply sustainable practices in Iligan City.  The occasion underlined that community dedication to protecting local flora for future generations, continuous scientific evaluation, and teamwork are necessary to create a greener and more resilient Iligan.

The project's main goal is to clearly communicate the importance of indoor environmental quality in schools and how it directly affects students' educational experiences. By holding interesting educational sessions at a few chosen schools, the project sought to increase awareness of the value of a healthy environment for learning. Iligan City National High School, Kalubihon High School, Iligan City East National High School, Tambo Elementary School, Ditucalan Elementary School, and Del Carment Integrated School.

The project assessed and contrasted the indoor environmental quality elements of the chosen public school classrooms in Iligan City's urban and rural areas, including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, and visual comfort. To share information and findings about the current indoor environmental conditions in the evaluated urban and rural schools of Iligan City, the research team held a symposium at MSU-IIT.

Tubajon, Dinagat Island – In the heart of Barangay Navarro, a quiet hum of excitement replaced the usual sounds of rural life on June 4, 2025. This wasn't just the sound of nature; it was the sound of a new beginning. Twenty-one eager participants from across the municipality gathered for a groundbreaking "Training-Workshop on Stingless Beekeeping," an initiative set to transform local livelihoods and champion environmental stewardship. Stingless bees, often overlooked compared to their honeybee cousins, are tiny powerhouses of ecological and economic potential. They are vital pollinators, playing a key role in maintaining biodiversity and boosting the yields of agricultural crops. Beyond their environmental contribution, these gentle insects produce high-value products like honey, propolis, and pollen, which are prized for their health benefits and market value.

Recognizing this potential, a recent survey identified several barangays in Tubajon with a notable number of native stingless bee colonies. This discovery sparked an innovative extension project designed to empower a community whose income traditionally relies on farming, fishing, and mining.

"This initiative is about weaving sustainability into the fabric of our community," explained a project coordinator. "By integrating stingless beekeeping into our agricultural practices, we are not just creating a new source of income; we are investing in our environment. It’s a win-win for both our people and our planet."