Policies Towards Life on Land
Leyte Normal University, staying true to its mission of delivering excellent service, recognizes its profound role in the protection, restoration, and promotion of sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. We are committed to ensure that the programs, activities, and policies support the sustainable management of land and protect the rich biodiversity of the community.
Our Contributions to SDG 15
Events on Sustainable Use of Land
Championing research and student involvement, Leyte Normal University continues to organize events that promote the conservation and sustainable use of land resources.
From Tree to Bottle: Capturing Coconut Sustainability
Leyte Normal University’s 3rd-year BAComm student, Ricardo Custodio, captured sustainable coconut farming practices in his video, From Tree to Bottle. It showcased methods that promote the efficient and responsible use of coconut, contributing to sustainable use of land for agriculture.
For full details, click on this link.
Protecting Life on Land: Technology-Driven Solutions for Sustainable Rice Farming
Dr. Las Johansen B. Caluza’s research on using convolutional neural networks to detect rice leaf diseases won the Best Paper and Best Presenter at ICITE 2024 in South Korea. This study advances agricultural technology by offering more accurate plant disease detection, which can promote sustainable farming practices contributing to the conservation and responsible use of land resources.
For full details, click on this link.
Cultivating a Greener Campus: Strengthening Sustainable Land Use Practices at LNU
Leyte Normal University organized a two-day Seminar-Writeshop on UI Greenmetric Ranking to enhance its environmental sustainability practices. Through collaborative evaluations and planning, faculty and staff developed strategies to strengthen green innovation across the university, particularly in promoting conservation and sustainable use of campus land and natural resources.
For full details, click on this link.
Other Related Activities
- An Luntianon Play
- DENR USec Bats for Biodiversity During the LNU IMRC 2023
- LNU IMRC 2023 Breaks Barriers for SDGs
- From Tree to Bottle: Capturing Coconut Sustainability
Sustainably Farmed Food on Campus
Leyte Normal University reaffirms its commitment to the Republic Act No, 11511, An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and for Other Purposes. It is committed to spread awareness on the benefits of organic agriculture that can contribute to the sustainability of local food systems and enhance the health of its community.
Maintaining Current Ecosystems’ Biodiversity
Promoting Shared Environmental Stewardship:
LNU Unveils Collaborative Mangrove Conservation Plan
Taking proactive steps to protect the mangrove ecosystem, the Bachelor of Science in Biology and BSED Science Units of Leyte Normal University presented a Management Plan for the Mangrove Ecosystem to the residents of Brgy. 83-A Burayan San Jose, Tacloban City on April 20, 2024.
This initiative aimed to empower residents as stewards of the mangrove ecosystem and advocates for its conservation and sustainable management.
The presentation covered the strategies and interventions such as habit restoration, pollution control measures, and enforcement of regulations.
It also encouraged the stakeholders to participate in the implementation of the management plan, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in protecting natural resources for the current and future generations.
This event, which aligns with achieving SDG 15 (Life on Land), evinces the university’s commitment in protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems in its nearby communities.
Revitalizing Nature: LNU Rehabilitates Mangonbangon River Park with LGU
Aiming to restore a local terrestrial ecosystem, Leyte Normal University, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB RO8) and the Tacloban City Local Government Unit, rehabilitate the Mangonbangon River Park located along Brgy. 40-A Young Field, Tacloban City as part of the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program.
This collaborative effort supports SDG 15, Life on Land, by restoring a vital natural resource to the species that set the river park as their habitat, preserving the land, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing pollution. This also ensures that the park remains a clean, safe, and healthy space for the community.
Manicani Island’s Fauna Survey Promotes Biodiversity Conservation
Leyte Normal University faculty members, Bryan Joseph Matillano and Facundo Rey Ladiao conducted a comprehensive fauna validation survey on Manicani Island on September 12 – 27, 2022, in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, offering key insights into the island’s wildlife and ecological health.
In collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and Prism Express Consulting Inc., this assessment marks the first significant survey of the island’s terrestrial fauna since Super Typhoon Yolanda struck the region nearly nine years ago.
Particularly, the assessment aimed to document and characterize the wildlife assemblage within Manicani Island, focusing on the amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals.
The result of the survey will serve as a foundational resource in the management and conservation of the island’s ecosystem.
Moreover, it also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in biodiversity conservation, ensuring that the island’s rich natural heritage is preserved for future generations.
LNU GO-COOS Project Sustains Local Ecosystem Conservation
The National Service Training Program – Literacy Training Service (NSTP-LTS) sustains its Greening Our Campus – Oxygenating Our Spaces (GO-COOS) Project, which started in September 2023.
By engaging students in distributing and caring for native plants, this activity contributes to the restoration and conservation of local plant species; thereby fostering sustainable practices that protect and preserve local ecosystems.
Educational Programs on Ecosystems
Leyte Normal University offers a robust curriculum specializing in environmental biology that is grounded in biological, natural, and physical sciences. This program emphasizes specialized courses, research, hands-on laboratory, and field experience, equipping students with the skills to manage, sustain, and conserve terrestrial ecosystems. Through the courses offered, students directly engage in local conservation efforts, instilling a commitment to preserve and sustain life on land.
Sustainable Management of Land Tourism
Sustaining Life on Land: LNU Turns Over Mount Buga-Buga Tourism Study
Leyte Normal University (LNU) turned over its Sustainable Tourism Assessment of Mount Buga-Buga to the Villaba LGU on June 12, 2025.
Funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), the study highlights the mountain’s biodiversity and outlines strategies for community-based, eco-friendly tourism.
Through this research outreach, LNU promotes the sustainable management of land for tourism, empowering Villaba communities to protect Mount Buga-Buga’s natural resources while fostering responsible local development.
For full details, click on this link.
Sustainable Lands through Tourism: LNU Supports San Juan by the Bay’s Sustainable Development
Leyte Normal University once again commits to promote sustainable use of land and community development through tourism under the Project THE Bay. Partnering with the San Juan by the Bay Cooperative, LNU supports the growth of the San Juan by the Bay Floating Restaurant by sharing a collective vision for improved infrastructure and additional amenities to boost tourism.
This collaboration is not only aimed at fostering economic sustainability but also encourages local responsible tourism practices that prioritize environmental preservation.
A Legacy of Sustainable Tourism: LNU’s Eco-Tourism Development Project
To encourage environmental stewardship for tourism, Leyte Normal University’s Eco-Tourism Development Project at Dulag, Leyte empowered the community with skills in tourism management that protect the coastal environment and preserve natural resources. LNU conducted an educational outreach, equipping the community with knowledge and skills to manage the tourism coastal resources responsibly.
Sustainable Lands Through Tourism: LNU Inks Its Support to the San Juan by the Bay Development
Leyte Normal University inks a Memorandum of Agreement with Sta. Rita, Samar for a joint effort in developing San Juan by the Bay.
Through its project, Tourism Hospitality and Entrepreneurship’s Business Advancement Yield (THE BAY), LNU will extend an educational outreach, providing professional expertise to help the community establish eco-friendly tourism practices.
This outreach will empower the community on the sustainable management of land for tourism and economic development.
Policy on Sustainable Land Use, Conservation, and Restoration of Land
Leyte Normal University embraces its role to spread awareness and educate students on the Republic Act 7586, An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and for Other Purposes, to ensure the preservation and sustainable management of the Philippines’ unique biological diversity.
Through the BS Biology Program with Specialization in Environmental Biology, LNU integrated biodiversity conservation in the curriculum and promote sustainable development practices.
Monitoring IUCN and Other Conservation Policies
Leyte Normal University fully supports the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act or Republic Act 9147 and aligns its mission of sustainability to protect the country’s rich wildlife. It supports research exploring biological diversity.
LNU recognizes the critical importance of safeguarding wildlife to achieve international sustainability commitments.
Local Biodiversity Included in Planning and Development
Leyte Normal University adheres to the principles of Republic Act No. 11396, also known as An Act Requiring State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to Prepare and Implement a Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan that Shall Include the Construction of Dormitories for Students and Housing Sites for Employees.
The university is dedicated to integrated, efficient and sustainable land stewardship that prioritizes environmental integrity.
By embedding ecological considerations into all campus planning and infrastructure development, the university fosters terrestrial environmental sustainability and biodiversity preservation, which creates a thriving and resilient environment for the years to come.
Campus Planning in Harmony with Nature
Leyte Normal University demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation through the integration of natural features in its campus planning and development.
The photo above shows the site development plan of Leyte Normal University Main Campus, where the green spaces represent the integration of trees and other vegetation. Moreover, it also carefully considered the natural position of the Mangonbangon River. Rather than disrupting its flow, LNU designed its buildings along the banks of the river and supported the maintenance of a nearby park to help preserve the area’s natural ecosystem.
These features will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the campus but also demonstrate environmental stewardship, particularly supporting life on land.
Policy on Reducing Alien Species
Leyte Normal University commits to safeguard the local biodiversity by mitigating the environmental impact of alien species within the campus.
In alignment with the national environmental laws, the University aims to promote ecological balance and protect native species to support the sustainability of natural resources.
Following Republic Act No. 9147, which mandates the conservation of wildlife and their habitats for the promotion of ecological balance, it is imperative for the university to regulate the introduction, collection, and management of wildlife. Specifically, this Act mandates that “No exotic species shall be introduced into the country unless a clearance from the Secretary or the authorized representative is first obtained. In no case shall exotic species be introduced into protected areas covered by Republic Act No. 7586 and to critical habitats under Section 25 hereof.” This statutory provision underscores the need for preventive measures against the spread of invasive alien species in the university.
Moreover, under RA 7586, the maintenance of ecological balance is paramount and the protection of native biodiversity shall be upheld through land use and zoning regulations that prevent activities threatening native biodiversity. Thus, in the university, native species will be prioritized for any landscaping, gardening, or restoration efforts for the sustainability of the native plants.
By implementing this policy, Leyte Normal University reaffirms its commitment to SDG 15: Life on Land: the protection, restoration, and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Through these measures, LNU aims to contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts, ensuring a balanced ecosystem that supports local flora and fauna.
Collaboration for Shared Land Ecosystems
Collaborative Conservation: LNU and Brgy. Burayan Work Together for Sustainable Mangrove Management
Leyte Normal University’s Bachelor of Science in Biology and BSED Science Units collaborated with the residents of Brgy. 83-A Burayan, San Jose, Tacloban City to promote shared stewardship of the local mangrove ecosystem. On April 20, 2024, the group presented a Mangrove Management Plan designed to guide the community in the conservation and sustainable use of mangrove resources.
This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration for shared land ecosystems, where both the university and community members play an active role in maintaining and safeguarding natural resources.
Shared Stewardship in Action: LNU Partners with Barangay for Environmental Preservation
ROTC and NSTP students, together with academic organization officers and the LNU Supreme Student Council, took part in the Annual Community Development Day and KALINISAN: Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan on January 6, 2024, through a community clean-up activity in a partner barangay.
By engaging students and residents in collective environmental action, the activity reinforces the importance of shared responsibility in protecting and sustaining land resources for the benefit of the whole community.
For full details, click on this link.
Nurturing Land, Nourishing Lives: LNU-GK Sustainable Food Farm
The Leyte Normal University and Gawad Kalinga San Miguelay Community Food Farm harvested locally grown vegetables, a collaborative example of empowering the immediate community to manage and cultivate agricultural land for sustainable food sufficiency. This practice demonstrates the power of collaboration in preserving land resources for a sustainable future.
Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards
Leyte Normal is committed to uphold the guidelines and standards of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and ensure responsible management of water discharges. LNU recognizes the importance of this commitment to maintain water quality that safeguards sustainable development, ecological balance and human health.
Policy on Plastic Waste Reduction
Leyte Normal University stands with Tacloban City’s crucial environmental initiative, the reduction of plastic waste and styrofoam in the campus, as a in accordance to the City’s Ordinance No. 2023-15-06. The university values the maintenance of a cleaner and greener campus, minimizing the pollution that harms the land ecosystems.
Greener Campus, Healthier Land: LNU Implements No Single-Use Plastic Policy
Leyte Normal University’s Supreme Student Council implemented a policy prohibiting the use of single-use, non-biodegradable plastics on campus to promote environmental responsibility and sustainability. This resolution encourages the Normalista community to reduce the use of disposable plastic items, such as plastic cups, utensils, bottles, and bags.
This initiative will help minimize plastic waste that can harm terrestrial ecosystems. By creating and enforcing a campus-wide policy on plastic waste reduction, the university fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and contributes to protecting land resources and biodiversity.
For full details, click on this link.
Policy on Hazardous Waste Disposal
Leyte Normal University recognizes the vital role of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in safeguarding the environment and public health. In particular, the university is committed to the DENR’s call for assistance as outlined under Section 6, stating the Department’s authority to call on any government department, bureau, office, agency, state university or college, and other instrumentalities of the Government for assistance in the form of personnel, facilities, and other resources.
In alignment with this, LNU integrates environmental issues into its curriculum, supports research on environmental health, implement practices and properly managing hazardous waste.
LNU, as passionate advocate of environmental responsibility and stewardship, supports the DENR in fostering a safer, healthier and more sustainable future for the environment.
Research Towards Life on Land
Leyte Normal University encourages responsible environmental stewardship through research. Studies such as documenting species diversity and promoting eco-friendly practices enlighten a better understanding and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
Summary of SDG 15 Related Publications
“New Records of Carabid Beetles (coleoptera: Carabidae) in Eastern Visayas, Philippines”
“Community Structure and Diversity of Carabid Beetles in Eastern Visayas, Philippines”
“Occurrence of Distinct Carabid Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Eastern Visayas, Philippines“
“Analysis of student’s carbon footprint in higher education institutions amidst pandemic“
“Ecology And Distribution Of Carabid Beetles In Selected Forests Of Eastern Visayas, Philippines”
“ASSESSMENT OF THE DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF HYDROCOTYLE VULGARIS METHANOLIC EXTRACT IN ALBINO MICE “
“Mangrove conservation and utilization in Tacloban City,Leyte, Philippines“
Potential of Clitoria ternatea L. flower extract as a safe andeffective alternative to methylene blue stain
Environmental Sustainability Through Corporate Social Responsibility
