Since the 1990s, scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute have “diligently pursued research” in the Kalayaan Islands despite “considerable odds.”
Now, their research findings, field photos and personal reflections from expeditions to the Kalayaan Island Group have been compiled on a single webpage.
“From colorful crabs to life-saving seaweeds, the webpage provides a glimpse of what is found in the Kalayaan Island Group and the West Philippine Sea,” it said in a statement.
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Based on the CARE-CaDRES Report 2019, the West Philippine Sea, with an estimated coral reef area of 4,640 square kilometers, is considered the source reef that propagates the coral reef ecosystem in the country’s western section.
UP MSI said underwater pictures and specimens photographed in the laboratory, accompanied by descriptions from the institute’s scientists, as well as a timeline of their expeditions, can be seen on the webpage.
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Through a long history of support and collaboration with international and government agencies, UP MSI has maintained a research presence on Pag-asa Island and the Kalayaan Island Group since its first visit in 1993.
Also included are personal reflections shared in “Letters to Pag-asa,” a series of blog posts by UP MSI faculty and research assistants about their experiences with scientific discoveries and the local community on Pag-asa Island.
“These are common experiences when one does fieldwork in remote parts of the country, whether in islands or in mountains,” said Dr. Gizelle Batomalaque in “Still in the Philippines, Still at Home.”
“The residents of Pag-asa Island show the natural tendency of humans to self-organize and make the most out of their situation,” she said.
UP MSI said future research developments will be added as the work continues.
The webpage and the institute’s research on Pag-asa Island are supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives through the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines and the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation Inc. /dm
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