Climate Action Philippines Project #10615

Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

by De La Salle University

Project Report | 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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Jan 25, 2025
Environmental Protection and Conservation Efforts for Talim Bay

By Carmen Apuli | Res. Mob. Coor

Environmental Protection and Conservation Efforts for Talim Bay

DLSU Strengthens Partnership with the Education Sector

De La Salle University (DLSU) strengthens its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) in Lian, Batangas. A series of stakeholder meetings, starting July 11, 2024, were facilitated to outline interventions and define collaborative engagements by Talim Bay stakeholders for the education sector.

During the July meeting at Lian Central School, DLSU representatives met with DepEd Lian and opportunities for DLSU to contribute to improving education in Lian. This includes literacy and numeracy programs, skills training, values formation, and research and curriculum development. The possibility of incorporating citizen science and coastal scout development into the school curriculum was also discussed. This partnership is a significant step forward in DLSU’s commitment to community development and its efforts to address local challenges through education.

Faculty and Staff Members

The DLSU’s Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) facilitated the participation of the academic community in Lian, Batangas, supporting efforts on biodiversity. Visiting the Coastal Resource Management area in Talim Bay deepens the community involvement of DLSU faculty and staff members, thus providing opportunities to contribute to environmental conservation and protection in line with the framework of faith in action.

On July 13, 2024, thirty (30) members of the DLSU community participated in the Lingkod Lasalyano, a social engagement activity that aimed at raising awareness about the plight of fisherfolks and the health of marine ecosystems through the planting of Avicennia spp saplings, a frontier mangrove species. Held at Sitio Matuod, Brgy. Binubusan, Lian, Batangas, the event was a collaborative effort between DLSU and organizations of local fishers. The participants attended learning sessions on mangroves and their essential role in marine ecosystems. Also, they were apprised of the sustainability agenda of the Municipality of Lian and DLSU. The mangroves planted by members of the DLSU community underscored the university's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The initiative, organized by the DLSU-COSCA, Lasallian Mission Office-Laguna Campus, and the Shields Ocean Research Center, successfully fostered collaboration between DLSU and the Lian community. This activity also reaffirms the University's long-term commitment to sustainable environmental conservation.

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