MSUN Faculty-Researchers Join International Workshop and Symposium on Methodology for Citizen Science & the Society
The College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of MSUN proudly participated in the International Workshop and Symposium on Methodology for Citizen Science & the Society (IWSMCS 2025) held at Central Luzon State University last November 24–28, 2025, a week filled with rich learning, collaboration, and groundbreaking insights on advancing citizen science.
Ms. Marnelle B. Sornito represented CFMS after receiving a full-expense scholarship to join this international event. IWSMCS 2025 served as the culminating activity of the four-year VLIR-UOS International Training Program, CO-CiPhil: Co-creating Citizen Science Capacity in the Philippines, jointly led by MSU-IIT, Visayas State University, and Hasselt University.
The first three days featured an intensive workshop facilitated by Dr. Hazel Jovita-Olvez (MSU-IIT), where participants examined how citizen-generated data can meaningfully influence policy development. Key discussions included good governance, linking community knowledge with policy action, theory of change, evidence-informed decision-making, systems thinking, and policy brief formulation.
The succeeding symposium highlighted a diverse range of research on environmental monitoring, biodiversity, climate adaptation, sustainability, community development, and ecosystem and community health.
Ms. Sornito presented her research on empowering sea cucumber gatherers through a citizen-science approach in assessing sea cucumber stocks across Mindanao. Meanwhile, Mr. Emmanuel Delloro shared his study online titled “Assessment of Artisanal Fisheries in Selected Municipalities of Northern Mindanao Through a Participatory Approach.”
The event also featured plenary presentations from esteemed experts, including Dr. Thomas Neyens, Dr. Oliver Thas, and Ms. Sara Rutten of Hasselt University; Dr. Gella Patria Abella of CLSU; and Hon. Altreb Castañeda, City Councilor of the Science City of Muñoz.
A proud moment for CFMS came with Mr. Jomar Besoña, faculty member and current doctoral scholar at Kochi University, who joined the roster of plenary speakers. He showcased MSU at Naawan’s citizen-science initiatives focused on sustainable aquatic resource management in Mindanao.
This international gathering not only strengthened the network of citizen science practitioners in the Philippines but also reaffirmed the vital role of communities in shaping science, informing policies, and promoting sustainable development.
More photos available here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bn4ZaYgcY/
