Mangroves are known for their unparalleled strength as nature’s first line of defense to typhoons, but they have their limits too. One of the rising activities from the many services that mangroves provide is its potential for ecotourism sites. 

In the case of Brgy. Lagadlarin, Lobo, Batangas, recreational activities include mangrove tours, kayaking, boating, tree planting, fishing, and swimming. With these activities done in a critical area such as the Lagadlarin Mangrove Forest (LMF), a carrying capacity of the site using several approaches needs to be established. This shall ensure that the locals will be able to accommodate enough tourists especially during peak seasons; and sustain the area’s livelihood while ensuring environmental protection and conservation. 

The School of Environmental Science and Management-University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM-UPLB) is in the forefront of interdisciplinal research towards environmental protection and management, such as carrying capacity studies. In the past, the DENR ERDB and BMB, and SESAM through Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez spearheaded the carrying capacity assessments of Boracay Malay, Aklan in 2018 and El Nido, Palawan in 2019. 

First Gas Power Corporation (FGPC) is one of the many private companies that supports Civil Society Organizations (CSO) which is committed to conduct relevant and regenerative corporate social responsibility programs with the technical assistance from the academe, such as SESAM. The School, through the partnership and support from FGPC, UPLB Foundation Incorporated (UPLB-FI) and LGU Lobo Batangas will determine the carrying capacity of the LMF for ecotourism management and regenerative development. 

This newly approved project will cover social, economic, biological, and physical assessments that will run from January to May 2023 through the leadership of SESAM Dean and Professor, Dr. Rico C. Ancog. This interdisciplinary research is comprised of SESAM faculty and researchers with different field of specializations: For. Sofia A. Alaira, Dr. Marisa J. Sobremisana, Dr. Thaddeus P. Lawas, Ms. Cherry S. Padilla, En.P. Jessa O. Aquino, Dr. Eduardo M. Calzeta, Dr. Evaristo Niño T. Cando III, Ms. Rosemarie Laila D. Areglado, Dr. Badi R. Samaniego, Dr. Alma Lorelei DJ. Abejero, Mr. Robert Patrick M. Cabangbang and project staff, Dr. Enrico L. Replan. 

Some of the recently concluded activities of the projects were initial site visit last October 26, 2022, and meeting with the Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan sa Barangay Lagadlarin (SMMPKBL), People’s Organization which maintains the mangrove area. The project team also had the opportunity to meet the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Lota Lazarte-Manalo and the Vice President for External Affairs and Security of FGPC, Mr. Ramon Araneta through a courtesy call and field visit held last January 16, 2023. 

More recently, a successful primary data collection on surveys, biodiversity assessment, marine assessment, and water and soil samplings in the project site were conducted by the research team from February 1 to 3, 2023. 

Mayor Lazarte-Manalo and Vice President Araneta hope that this partnership will grow and expand to other initiatives and extension works towards socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in Lobo, Batangas. This kind of engagement is just some of the many technical assistances SESAM provides that anchored its research thrusts in championing sustainability. (Jessa O. Aquino)