USJ Mangrove Team Presents Research at the 13th International Environmental Science Conference held in the Philippines
USJ Mangrove Team Presents Research at the 13th International Environmental Science Conference held in the Philippines
16
Jun
16/06/2026
The trip provided an opportunity for academic exchange and for students to broaden their understanding of marine ecosystems.
Members of the USJ Mangrove Team, led by Prof. Karen Tagulao, travelled to Cebu, Philippines, to participate in the 13th International Conference on Environmental Science, held from 2 to 5 June 2026 at the University of San Carlos.
The conference brought together environmental scientists, educators, researchers, conservation practitioners, and students from across the region to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore how science can support environmental sustainability and ocean conservation.
USJ students and members of the Mangrove Team presented their research on coastal ecosystems, environmental education, and wastewater treatment technology at the conference. Several students delivered their first international academic presentations, gaining valuable experience in sharing their work with a wider audience.
Doctoral student Mikael Leong’s poster was selected among the top 5 out of 70 poster presentations, and he was invited to deliver a PechaKucha presentation. Bachelor’s students Dawi Saw and Wilson Choi also presented their research under the supervision of Prof. Alexandre Lebel and received positive feedback from conference attendees.
Prof. Karen Tagulao delivered a presentation on mangroves, illustrating how scientific research can be applied through community engagement and environmental education.
Following the conference, the USJ team visited wetlands, mangroves, and marine protected areas in Cebu, where local conservation teams shared their efforts to monitor and protect marine biodiversity. These site visits offered students direct exposure to conservation practices in a different geographical context.
Discussions with fellow researchers addressed topics such as microplastic pollution, highlighting how environmental challenges can affect ecosystems and communities across regions.
The trip provided an opportunity for academic exchange and for students to broaden their understanding of marine ecosystems. Some students have expressed interest in pursuing scuba-diving certifications to further explore marine environments.
The USJ Mangrove Team’s participation in the conference reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to environmental research, international collaboration, and the development of students as researchers. Through initiatives such as these, USJ continues to contribute to the broader conversation on environmental sustainability and ocean conservation.
