Misamis University Strengthens Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Through Education, Research, and Community Engagement

Home Page >

News >

Misamis University Strengthens Biodiversity and E ....

Misamis University Community Extension Program

Misamis University Strengthens Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Through Education, Research, and Community Engagement

Celebrating Migratory Birds: World Migratory Bird Day
Misamis University (MU), in partnership with DENR, ACB, and local government units, celebrated World Migratory Bird Day under the theme “Sing, Fly, Soar — Like a Bird!”. MU was the only Philippine institution to receive a grant from the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).

Activities included a virtual lecture-workshop for youth leaders, community outreach, coastal clean-ups, and bird-watching in Misamis Occidental wetlands. MUCEP also led an IEC campaign, distributing posters, billboards, and T-shirts across coastal barangays.

These efforts engaged students, local officials, youth leaders, and the community, raising awareness and support for migratory bird conservation.

Launching “Malin in Malindang” @Misamis University
After more than a year of development, the storybook “Malin in Malindang” was launched during the 21st Malindang Week on July 30, 2025, with Grade 4 students at Misamis University as the first audience, featuring interactive games, storytelling, and reflection activities. Facilitated by Ms. Nidine Dominese, MU MOVE and CED alumna, the story highlights Malin’s journey in Mt. Malindang, inspiring children to learn, take action, and make personal promises to protect the park. The storytelling has reached various communities supported by MMRNP, including Barra Elementary School during MU’s 96th Foundation Anniversary, facilitated by Mr. Mark Kyvyn Embradora. Produced under the DOST-PCAARRD-funded Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services of MMRNP project, with support from DENR, NCIP, PAMBs, ASEAN Heritage Parks, DepEd, and the Province of Misamis Occidental, copies are currently being produced with assistance from ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas–Ozamiz for distribution to partner schools. The initiative empowers students as ambassadors and advocates for MMRNP, fostering stewardship, appreciation, and active protection of the park

Volunteers are on the MOVE: MAIS Celebrates National Reading Month Culmination
Misamis Occidental Volunteers for the Environment (MOVE) joined the National Reading Month Culmination at the Misamis Annex Integrated School (MAIS) Function Hall, carrying this year’s theme, “Reading is a Bridge to a Future Full of Hope.”

Highlighting the event was Ms. Megalou N. Pabiran, a second-year Dentistry student and MOVE representative from Misamis University, who captivated young learners through a vibrant storytelling session. She brought to life the children’s story “Malin in Malindang”—written by Caryl Trishia E. Yapac of MUCEP and Dr. Russel P. Galindo, Director of the Research Center, with illustrations by Renn Louie S. Pineda.

The culminating activity was made possible through the support of Dr. Elsa B. Buenavidez, Graduate School Community Extension Coordinator, along with Mr. Jhed Gabriel L. Sanchez, Governor of the MU Graduate School Local Student Council.

“Guess Mo Ba? Mt. Malindang” Daily trivia challenge
As part of the “Guess Mo Ba? Mt. Malindang” daily trivia challenge, the Misamis University Community Extension Program (MUCEP) engaged students in an interactive activity celebrating the rich biodiversity of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park. On Day 1, participants were asked, “Who was the first Protected Area Superintendent of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park?” Students submitted their answers along with their name, course, and year, while following simple steps to like, share, and tag friends on the MUCEP Facebook page. Open to all MU students, the activity fosters awareness and appreciation of the park’s natural resources, with prizes generously sponsored by MOVE (Misamis Occidental Volunteers for Environment). By combining learning with conservation, MUCEP inspires students to actively contribute to protecting Mt. Malindang’s unique ecosystems.

Story Telling Malin in Malindang : MOVE Youth Summit 2025
MOVE – MU Chapter, during the Day 2- Youth Summit 2025, with the support of Punong Barangay Hon. Elias Alayaay and participation of Lake Duminagat Elementary School pupils, conducted a community outreach distributing 43 sets of school supplies, 40 Science and Grammar books from the MU Learning Resource Center, and 20 BPAT t-shirts. Volunteers organized games for the children, provided rewards and snacks, and fostered interaction and learning. A highlight was the storytelling of “Malin in Malindang” by MOVE alumna Ms. Nidine Dominese, narrating a 10-year-old girl’s adventure in appreciating the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park’s value. The storybook was produced through the DOST-PCAARRD VFES project, with printing support from ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and technical assistance from DENR, NCIP, and MMRNP-PAMO.

Misamis University Strengthens SDG 15 Efforts Through Biology Program Excellence
Misamis University advances its commitment to SDG 15: Life on Land through strong academic programs that champion biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and environmental protection. Central to this effort is the Bachelor of Science in Biology. This Level III PACUCOA-accredited program consistently produces competent graduates who serve as researchers, field practitioners, and faculty members across the region. Students receive rigorous training in ecological research, species identification, habitat assessment, and environmental monitoring—skills vital to the preservation of threatened ecosystems. The program’s emphasis on scientific inquiry reinforces the university’s leadership in promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources.

MU’s academic initiatives are deeply anchored in field-based research within the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP), the Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS), and other biodiversity-rich areas in Misamis Occidental and nearby provinces. Through sustained research activities, MU contributes valuable scientific knowledge that supports conservation planning, protected area management, and community-based resource protection. By building a skilled workforce committed to safeguarding forests, coastal ecosystems, and wildlife, Misamis University strengthens local and regional capacities to achieve long-term ecological sustainability—aligning its educational mission with global SDG targets.