Climate Action Philippines Project #10615

Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

by De La Salle University

Project Report | Aug 14, 2026
Restoring Marine Ecosystems in Talim Bay

By Carmen S. Apuli | Resource Mobilization Coordinator

With the continued support of our partners and donors, De La Salle University (DLSU), through its social development arm, the Center for Social Concern and Action, continues to advance community-led initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, sustainable livelihoods, and resilience among coastal communities in Talim Bay, Lian, Batangas. Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Sustainable Development Goals in Lian, DLSU units and local partners also continue to convene and collaborate by strengthening coordination with local government units and line agencies, and helping ensure that interventions are community-driven, locally responsive, and sustainable.

Environmental conservation initiatives were further strengthened in May 2026 when our COSCA student volunteers from the COSCA Student Social Formation Program (SSFP), COSCA-LOVE, and the Red Cross Youth joined the Samahan ng Mangingisda sa Sitio Sulok (SAMLOK) in a mangrove replanting activity in Lian, Batangas. The activity is part of RAFI’s program in Lian to help empower fisherfolk to become active stewards of the mangrove ecosystem by planting, monitoring, and nurturing mangroves to ensure their survival and growth. The initiative contributes to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and the protection of our marine resources that support the livelihoods of our fisherfolk families. The activity likewise demonstrates how partner communities and organizations, as well as volunteers, including youth, can work together toward practical, community-centered environmental solutions.

The activity demonstrates how community organizations, local stakeholders, civil society partners, and young volunteers can work together to develop practical, community-centered environmental solutions. Also, the completion of the Barangay Bokashi Barkada, initiated by COSCA's Lasalian Sustainable Development Program (LSDP), paved the way for a potential “next phase” of the EcoDrive Program in partnership with LGU Lian (Batangas) and prospective partner barangays. These reflect an integrated approach to the Talim Bay Project- linking community capacity building, sustainable livelihoods, youth engagement, waste management, mangrove restoration, and marine ecosystem protection. Achievements like these are encouraging, yet continued resources are needed to help sustain and expand the efforts.

Another important milestone was the completion of the Barangay Bokashi Barkada initiative and the submission of its March to May completion report, paving the way for the next phase of the EcoDrive Program in partnership with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and prospective partner barangays. Together, these initiatives reflect an integrated approach to the Talim Bay Project—linking sustainable livelihoods, community capacity-building, youth engagement, waste management, mangrove restoration, and marine ecosystem protection. While these achievements are encouraging, support from GlobalGiving donors helps provide the continued resources needed to sustain and expand the work.

Photo credits: COSCA-SSFP; COSCA LSDP, COSCA-LOVE and RCY

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Mar 17, 2026
SDG Localization and Coastal Resource Management in Talim Bay

By Carmen S. Apuli | Resource Moblization Coordinator

Local Fishers lead Lian MPA Bouy Installation

SDG Localization and Coastal Resource Management in Talim Bay

Kayreyna Marine Protected Area (MPA), Lian, Batangas, Philippines

This progress report provides an update on the ongoing collaboration between the De La Salle University (DLSU) - Shields Ocean Research Center-Br. Alfred Shields FSC Marine Station (SHORE-BrAMS), LMO-Laguna Campus, and the University Sustainability Office and the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), and the Local Government Unit of Lian, Batangas (i.e., MENRO, MAO & MDRRMO) and Department of Education-Lian, supporting the organizations of local fishers in the implementation of their initiatives, which include initiatives for sustainable fishing practices, community-based livelihood projects, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) localization in Talim Bay, and environmental conservation activities, with particular focus on the Kayreyna Marine Protected Area (MPA).

During the current reporting period, the Kayreyna MPA has achieved a significant milestone by being named a national finalist in the recent Para el Mar: Search for Outstanding Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines. From being shortlisted in 2023, Kayreyna has now advanced to become one of only nine finalists nationwide. This recognition serves as strong interim validation of the project’s people-centered, partnership-driven approach to marine conservation and local development.

The Municipality of Lian, under the leadership of Mayor Joseph V. Peji and through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), headed by Mr. Alvin Cirilo M. Jonson, continues to provide policy direction, technical guidance, and institutional support for the management of the Kayreyna MPA. Local government commitment has ensured continuity in enforcement, monitoring, and community engagement, while creating an enabling environment for partnerships with civil society and academe.

At the community level, the Lian Fisherfolks Association remains at the core of implementation. Fisherfolk members actively participate in marine patrols, habitat protection, and conservation planning. Over time, their role has evolved from resource users to resource stewards, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and accountability over marine ecosystems. This shift has contributed to improved compliance with MPA regulations and greater community acceptance of conservation measures.

DLSU–COSCA continues to support the initiative through capacity-building, service-learning, and values-based community engagement. These engagements have helped translate global SDG frameworks into concrete, place-based action in Talim Bay.

Throughout the reporting period, donor support, including contributions mobilized through GlobalGiving, has enabled the continuation of community training and environmental education activities, as well as support for sustainable livelihood initiatives that complement marine conservation.

Photo Credits: LFA, MENRO, COSCA LSDP and Archers Network

Lian SDG Localization Project Partnership Renewal

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Jul 25, 2025
Kayreyna MPA Shortlisted for 2025 Para El Mar Award

By Maria Carmen Apuli | Resource Mobilization Coordinator

LGU Lian's MENRO shares the Lian MPA Profile

Lian, Batangas' Talim bay- Kayreyna Marine Protected Area (MPA) Shortlisted for 2025 Para El Mar Awards: A Testament to What Sustained Support Can Achieve

The Kayreyna MPA in Lian, Batangas, has proudly earned a place among the national finalists for the 2025 Para El Mar Awards, which honor the country's most outstanding marine conservation initiatives. This significant milestone is a recognition of the community's dedication and a powerful reminder of the tangible results that continued investment and support make possible.

On June 26, 2025, representatives from the 2025 Para El Mar Awards conducted an on-site validation and evaluation in Sitio Kayreyna, Brgy. Lumaniag, Lian, Batangas — a critical step in the award selection process. This milestone activity brought together a diverse group of stakeholders led by the Lian Marine Protected Area Council (LIMPAC) and organized by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office (MENRO), under the leadership of Mr. Alvin Jonson.

Key partners from various municipal agencies, such as the Municipal Agricultural Office (represented by Ms. Ofelia Rodil), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, MTO, MSWD, PCG-Sub Station, and PNP-Lian, were also present. Municipal Administrator Jon Michael Austria was also present at the occasion. Their involvement reflects the deep commitment of local governance to protecting marine biodiversity.

This event also highlighted the vital role of grassroots and academic partnerships. Teachers and students trained through De La Salle University (DLSU)–SHORE's Citizen Science program joined local People's Organizations, including the Lian Fisherfolks' Association (LFA) and the Samahan ng mga Maliit na Mangingisda ng Binubusan, in demonstrating their stewardship of the marine protected area.

The Kayreyna MPA's success results from years of collaborative work, anchored by the LFA under the guidance of LGU Lian-MENRO and LIMPAC. DLSU is a recognized member of LIMPAC (represented by its Br. Alfred Shields Ocean Research Center / Br. Alfred Shields Marine Station (SHORE/BrAMS) and the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) units), together with the Matuod Homeowners Association, highlighting a community-based and multi-stakeholder approach to the MPA's governance.

We also renew our call for ongoing funding and support as we celebrate this national recognition. The Kayreyna MPA proves that strategic partnerships and consistent investment yield measurable and sustainable outcomes for our marine ecosystems. We appreciate your support.

With your help, we continue protecting this vital resource — for today's communities and future generations.

Photo Credits: LFA, LGU-Lian and DLSU-LSDP

The MPA area

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