Misamis University researchers proudly represented the institution at the International Conference on Biodiversity (IBD) 2025, held on November 5–7, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. With the theme “Biodiversity and Humanity in Global Crisis,” the conference brought together scientists and experts from over 50 institutions across more than 20 countries, creating a dynamic space for sharing ideas, research findings, and solutions to today’s most urgent biodiversity challenges. The conference was organized by Kasetsart University and the National Research Council of Thailand, with the support of various partners and collaborators.

The Misamis University delegation was composed of Dr. Haydee D. Villanueva, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Russel P. Galindo, Director of Research; and Dr. Villantes, faculty researcher of the University. Their participation was made possible through the Faculty Development Program (FDP) of Misamis University. The researchers expressed their heartfelt thanks to University President Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon for her unwavering support of faculty development, research initiatives, and international academic engagement.

The studies presented at the conference were part of research projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). These projects demonstrate the importance of government-funded research in producing science-based solutions that support marine conservation and coastal communities in the Philippines.

During the conference, the team presented research posters on locally managed marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Dr. Villanueva presented “Level of Access and Benefit Sharing on the Protected Coastal and Marine Resources Covered by the MPAs,” which examined how coastal communities access and benefit from protected marine resources. Dr. Galindo presented “Management Effectiveness of the Locally-Managed Marine Protected Areas of Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines,” sharing insights on the strengths and challenges of community-led MPA management. Dr. Villantes presented “Ecologically and Biologically Significant Locally-Managed Marine Protected Areas in Zamboanga Peninsula,” identifying priority marine areas essential for biodiversity conservation.