Malita, Davao Occidental – On February 25, 2025, the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) conducted an inception meeting to explore potential collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The meeting was held at the DENR-PENRO Office in Barangay Lacaron and the BFAR office in Barangay Poblacion, Malita, Davao Occidental.
The participants included selected faculty and staff from SPAMAST, the DENR-PENRO team led by OIC-PENRO Dr. Luningning M. Dalayon and Mr. Redentor G. Magno, Chief of the Technical Services Division, and the BFAR team headed by OIC Provincial Fisheries Officer Vilma M. Montojo.
This meeting served as an initial step in exploring potential collaboration among the three organizations. It aimed to establish partnerships, align goals, and identify areas of cooperation, particularly in research and extension, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss institutional strengths and contributions, ensuring a mutually beneficial collaboration.
The discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging each institution’s expertise to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Davao Occidental. The participants expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to address local environmental challenges while enhancing research and community engagement initiatives.
This strategic partnership is expected to create a positive impact on local communities, fostering sustainable livelihoods through collaborative efforts in environmental conservation and resource management. Further planning sessions are anticipated to formalize the partnership’s objectives and implementation strategies.
