On November 6-8, 2024, a delegation from Mindanao State University at Naawan, led by Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, attended the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2024 held at the Xiamen International Conference Center Hotel in Xiamen, China. This year’s event, organized by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and was co-hosted by the China’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Xiamen Municipal Government, was themed “Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean” in collaboration with the annual World Ocean Week.

Joining Chancellor Roa were MSUN’s Research Director, Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, and Extension Director, Prof. Mariefe B. Quiñones. The Congress served as a platform for reviewing and mapping future strategies for the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). Discussions emphasized collaborative efforts among governments, organizations, and communities to promote sustainable and resilient ocean management.

Highlight of their trip was when the delegation participated in the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers (PNLC) and PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) Joint Forum, which included the PNLC General Assembly. MSUN proudly joins the ranks of the PNLC’s 25 members, contributing to regional efforts as one of the four newly inducted institutions.

This international gathering showcased the commitment of Mindanao State University at Naawan to advancing sustainable ocean initiatives, bolstering partnerships, and fostering regional collaboration in support of a healthier and more resilient marine environment.