DOST-NRCP, SorSU's Nag-Aso Lake Conservation project open partnership with DENR and LGU-Manito

Officials, staff, and researchers of the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), Sorsogon State University (SorSU), Local Government of Manito, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) successfully sign and witness the memorandum of agreement signing for Lake Nag-Aso conservation on August 1, 2024 at Nag-Aso Lake in Holugan, Manito, Albay

Another significant milestone in the Bicol Region has been achieved with the new project and partnership between the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manito, Albay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Sorsogon State University (SorSU) for the conservation of Nag-Aso Lake, which is known to many as the ‘Boiling Lake’.

DANAO Project or Demographic Characterization to Advance Nag-Aso Lake Conservation and Advocacies in Optimizing Benefits among Stakeholders aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic conditions surrounding the lake and to develop strategies for its protection. It is funded by NRCP and will be implemented by SorSU for 18 months from August 1, 2024 to 1 January 2026,

The collaboration between agencies was formalized during a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony held on August 1, 2024, at Nag-Aso Lake in Holugan, Manito, Albay. It envisioned enhancing the project’s success and contributing to the development of Nag-Aso Lake, highlighting the crucial role of the community in environmental protection…

The MoA was signed by Hon. Rebecca Dayap-Chen, Mayor of Manito, Dr. Ryan V. Dio, Project Leader of the DANAO initiative, and Marlene M. Francia, DENR Chief of Conservation. They were joined by Dr. Bernardo N. Sepeda, NRCP Executive Director; Dr. Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo, NRCP President; Mr. Jesse Nicavera, NRCP-RDMD Senior Science Research Specialist; and Ms. Liezel Atole-Nieva, Chair of the ParSU College of Science, who served as witnesses.

Mayor Dayap-Chen has committed to fully supporting SorSU’s DANAO project to boost ecotourism and promote environmental sustainability for the residents of Manito. Meanwhile, with partnership with DENR, this project ensures adherence to national environmental standards and sustainable practices.

Dr. Shirley Palisoc, the Research and Development (RD) Leader who mentored SorSU in securing funding for the DANAO project, was also present, marking the success of her guidance and the effectiveness of the RDLead program in fostering research and development initiatives. RD Lead program is implemented by NRCP.

The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including officials from LGU-Manito, academic leaders from SorSU and Partido State University (ParSU), and environmental experts from DENR. Leaders from both government and academia expressed their enthusiasm for the DANAO project, emphasizing its potential to drive sustainable development in the Nag-Aso Lake area.

The partnership between NRCP, LGU-Manito, DENR, and SorSU represents a significant step toward preserving the ecological integrity of Nag-Aso Lake. By leveraging the expertise of government, academia, and the local community, this collaboration aims to create a model for sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the Bicol Region. The success of the DANAO project is expected to benefit the people of Manito and contribute positively to the broader Bicol Region. (Maradika M. Ramos, S&T Media Service)