Article by Marisa B. Baccol
The Center for Lifelong Learning (CELL) convened an essential consultative meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to address the challenges facing small islands, particularly marginalized communities on April 22 to 24, 2024, at the New College of Arts and Sciences Audio-Visual Center, Samar State University.
The event aimed to evaluate SSU’s Center for Lifelong Learning priorities and explore funding opportunities for the Inclusive Science for Livelihood in Agri-Aqua (ISLA) Program in Small Islands, while refining the Livelihood Empowerment through Sustainable Climate-Resilient Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources Enhancement (LeTS CARE) program for Marupangdan was participated by experts including Dr. Engelbert R. Lalican, a Senior Science Research Specialist from the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Dir. Meilou Cinco-Macabarre of DTI Samar, DOST-PSTO Director Dr. Evelyn Tablante, and others from DENR-PENRO Sir Joefel Bercasio and Ma’am Dyazl Prudenciado, DA Engr. Cyril L. Cortan, LGU-Daram Municipal Administrator Sir Alfonso T. Jalalon and BFAR Senior Aquaculturist Sir Clutide O. Amparado and Sir Marlon C. Sale.
By supporting initiatives like ISLA and LeTS CARE, the meeting proves fruitful as it demonstrates dedication to preserving small island ecosystems and supporting communities for future generations by incorporating components such as KATHA (Social Transformations and Conditioning in Agri-Fishery Technology and Environmental Resources Engagement), AGHAM (Advanced and Geared Honing Agri-fishery Management), BUHAY (Building Understanding for Habitat and Ecosystem Advancement and Yield), and YAMAN (Agri-Fishery Practices through Product Resource Value Addition and Commercialization Enhancement Project).