MSUN Faculty Researchers Presented Papers at 10th ACESD in Fukuoka, Japan
Faculty researchers Assoc. Prof. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Ph.D. and Asst. Prof. Lovella R. Calala from the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CFMS), together with Asst. Prof. Ramon Francisco Q. Padilla from the College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS), represented the Mindanao State University at Naawan at the 10th Asian Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development (ACESD) held on November 8–10, 2025, in Fukuoka, Japan.
The international conference convened researchers, scientists, and graduate students from across the globe to share innovative studies addressing critical environmental and sustainability challenges.
Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero presented her paper titled “Coral Reef Health and Associated Faunal Diversity in Selected Municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay”, which highlighted varying coral reef conditions across the province. Her study emphasizes the importance of community-based management in sustaining marine biodiversity and promoting reef resilience.
Asst. Prof. Ramon Francisco Q. Padilla presented his research on “Landscape Function Analysis of Rehabilitated Mined Sites in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.” His findings contributed to advancing land rehabilitation science, emphasizing the ecological recovery and functionality of post-mining landscapes in tropical environments.
Asst. Prof. Lovella R. Calala delivered her presentation on “Seagrass Communities in Zamboanga Sibugay: Implications for Resource Management,” which provided vital baseline data on seagrass assemblages in the region. The study highlighted the crucial ecological roles of seagrasses as nurseries and feeding grounds for diverse marine organisms. Importantly, it called for stronger habitat protection and policy action, recommending stricter regulation of fish corrals within seagrass areas to preserve these essential ecosystems.
For her outstanding presentation, Asst. Prof. Calala was awarded the Best Paper Presentation Award in the Oral Session on Ecosystems and Biodiversity category.
MSU at Naawan congratulates Asst. Prof. Lovella R. Calala for this well-deserved recognition, which not only showcases her excellence in research and communication but also reinforces the university’s dedication to advancing science-based marine resource management. Her study provides critical insights for sustainable coastal governance and contributes to the global discourse on marine ecosystem conservation.
All three research papers, outputs of projects under the Coral Reef Management (COREM) Hub),have been accepted for publication in the Springer Book Series: Environmental Science and Engineering, a SCOPUS-indexed publication.
Further highlighting MSUN’s global engagement, Asst. Prof. Padilla served as Session Chairperson for the category on Environmental Fate, Risk Assessment, and Sustainable Control of New Pollutants, while Dr. Espadero continues to serve as a member of the ACESD International Program Committee.
