Youth-Led Aquatic Stewardship: AMSC and MAFAR Drive Grassroots Environmental Action in Lanao del Sur

Youth-Led Aquatic Stewardship: AMSC and MAFAR Drive Grassroots Environmental Action in Lanao del Sur

In a powerful demonstration of institutional synergy, Adiong Memorial State College (AMSC) joined forces with the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) Fisheries Resource Management Division to host a comprehensive Community Clean-Up Drive and Seminar Workshop in Brgy. Polo, Ditsa-an Ramain. Under the evocative theme "Strengthening of Youth Organizations in Environment Sustainability," this collaborative effort sought to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical realities of aquatic ecosystem management.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a systematic restoration of the local environment, meticulously clearing plastic debris from vital walkways and eradicating invasive water hyacinth thickets that threatened the vitality of the shoreline. This physical labor was augmented by a technical workshop led by Senior Aquaculturist Alimoddin P. Macodi, who provided participants with sophisticated insights into the nuances of sustainable fisheries management.

The initiative served as a transformative field experience for students from AMSC’s Department of Fisheries, College of Natural Resources and Sustainability. Under the mentorship of Dean Sohryah A. Jamel and Program Head Jahirun S. Mungkon, alongside specialized guidance from Research Assistant Jaber Gumaga and a cohort of MAFAR officials—including Muhammad Yusoph L. Watamama and Norjanah B. Oma, JD—these young volunteers translated classroom lessons into tangible ecological action.

By revitalizing critical coastal zones and reopening essential fishing routes, the project provided immediate relief to the fisherfolk of Brgy. Polo while securing the long-term health of their maritime heritage. Ultimately, this endeavor cultivates a new generation of stewards, establishing a skilled pipeline of professionals dedicated to fostering regional environmental resilience across Lanao del Sur and the broader ASEAN community.