Mindoro State University - Center for Environmental Studies MCES

08/10/2026

https://pia.gov.ph/news/luzon/mimaropa/volunteers-remove-609-crown-of-thorns-starfish-from-buyayao-island-reef/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUz1-RjbGNrBTPXjWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeDDLwk17SX3YHQrpJOwmwWbME-nI-I7S2T7w6btc7ZtWHuPDu4DhjQ_0rgvg_aem_2URdHZ7sDJIxSde2ThykOw

Philippine Information Agency (PIA)

05/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1583095006948585&set=pcb.1583095816948504

🌊𝗔 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻!🪸

This weekend, we came together with an amazing group of volunteers and partner organizations to help protect our marine ecosystem through a Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) removal activity at Buyayao Island.

Together, we successfully collected a total of 608 COTS! 💪🌊

This meaningful effort was made possible through the collaboration of:

🤿 Mindoro AdvenTours
🤿 Mindoro FreeDiving Buddies
🌱 MINSU Environmental Science Society
🐟 Mindoro State University - Institute of Fisheries
🪸 FCOA Calapan
💙 Bulalacao Tourism
🏝️ Buyayao Resorts
🏛️ LGU Bulalacao (MENRO & MAO)
🐠 Bantay Dagat

…and most importantly, all the dedicated volunteers who gave their time and effort for our ocean.

Every COTS removed is a small but meaningful step toward protecting our coral reefs and keeping our marine ecosystem healthy. 🪸💙

Thank you to everyone who joined, volunteered, and supported this mission. Together, we can make a difference beneath the surface. 🌊💙

20/02/2026

Three years on, MCES and CEED visited Pola to assess the possible lingering effects of the MV Princess Empress oil spill on the seagrass and benthos. Partnership is the synergy that sustains environmental advocacy.

20/02/2026

The MCES commenced its DENR-funded peatland project with a show of respect to the Alangan - Mangyans, the caretakers of the site. Pansula is a ritual asking the Spirits for agreement to the activity. The awareness it brought to us, and the community spirit we felt, heightened our mutual respect.