𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐗𝐈𝐈 𝐏𝐀𝐬 𝐔𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐁𝐒𝐒

Three Protected Areas (PAs) in Region XII namely; Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) and Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve (AVWFR) of South Cotabato and Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) of Sarangani Province, participated and upheld another step for excellence in biodiversity research through the launching of Mindanao State University (MSU) GenSan Center for Biodiversity Studies in SOCCSKSARGEN (CBSS) on January 18 at the MSU Grounds, General Santos City.

 

The establishment of the center will pave way for identifying and protecting critically-endangered plant and animal species and conserving terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It will also provide an avenue for state-of-the-art research to investigate various critical issues concerning Soccsksargen indigenous flora and fauna, and ecosystem, especially those that thrive in MMPL, AVWFR, and SBPS (Abad, 2023).

 

CBSS administrators and honored guests officiated the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the building marker. Messages of support were delivered by the three invited PAs Superintendents; PASu-SBPS Joy C. Ologuin disclosed possible projects and partnerships with CBSS; Assistant PASu Lei Ann Acuña, on behalf of PASu Leonisa Alfaro, delivered her message on the benefits of acquiring reliable biodiversity data for years have been esteemed due to the partnership between the academe and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

 

Meanwhile, PASu-MMPL, Efren C. Hibaler, commended their initiatives and pledged their full support in all their undertakings in research. He underscored the significance of MMPL as one of the famous landmarks in the region and with research being conducted within the PA that promotes awareness for biodiversity preservation.

 

On the other hand, J.D Usman D. Aragasi, MPA, Acting Chancellor for Research and Extension, enthused all the attendees as he figuratively used the crowned Miss Universe 2023 as an example of someone who advocates for protection and nature conservation. (MATenorio and JVOro) | RSCIGP