Policies Towards Life Below Water
Leyte Normal University (LNU) affirms its steadfast commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, recognizing that the health of our oceans and marine ecosystems is vital to human survival, climate stability, and sustainable development.
As a leading institution of higher learning, LNU upholds its role as an educator, advocate, and steward of marine and coastal life. The University is dedicated to promoting marine conservation, sustainable fisheries management, and the protection of aquatic biodiversity through transformative education, evidence-based research, and meaningful community engagement.
LNU integrates environmental awareness and ocean literacy into its academic programs and extension initiatives, empowering students, faculty, and partner communities to act as guardians of marine ecosystems. Through partnerships with local and national agencies, fisherfolk organizations, and environmental networks, the University actively contributes to the restoration and preservation of mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal habitats—ensuring that these vital ecosystems thrive for generations to come.
In every endeavor, LNU champions the principle that “the protection of life below water is the protection of life above it.” Guided by this conviction, the University commits to fostering a culture of responsibility, innovation, and collaboration that sustains the seas, supports the people who depend on them, and safeguards the planet’s shared future.
Leyte Normal University proudly maintains that 0% of its waste reaches any surrounding bodies of water, demonstrating its strong commitment to environmental stewardship. This initiative aligns with the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275), ensuring that the University actively prevents water pollution and safeguards precious aquatic resources—supporting the global call for Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Leyte Normal University proudly upholds a Sustainable Seafood Policy, ensuring that 0% of seafood sold on campus comes from illegal or unsustainable fishing practices. In accordance with Republic Act No. 10654, which combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, LNU requires all campus food vendors to source seafood responsibly. This initiative reflects the University’s strong commitment to marine conservation, ethical sourcing, and the promotion of Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 14 (Life Below Water).
During the “Walk for the Environment” initiative, volunteers came together with a shared goal — to protect the planet and reduce plastic pollution. Through their collective effort, 192 kilograms of plastic waste were gathered, preventing these materials from polluting streams and bodies of water.
Our Contributions to SDG 14
Community Outreach to Support Fresh Water Ecosystems
Annual Cleanup Drive at Mangonbangon River
Leyte Normal University (LNU) joined the global observance of World Water Day by conducting a cleanup drive at Mangonbangon Creek and the adjacent LNU Park.
The activity was organized by the university’s Office of Physical Plant and Facilities in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local officials from Barangays 49 and 50. Mangonbangon Creek is LNU’s officially adopted water body under its environmental initiatives.
The cleanup drive aimed to promote environmental awareness and strengthen the university’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of water resources.
Rehabilitation of Mangonbangon River Park
Leyte Normal University (LNU), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau Region 8 (DENR-EMB RO8), has been actively working to rehabilitate the Mangonbangon River Park in Barangay 40-A Young Field, Tacloban City, through the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program. This initiative emphasizes environmental conservation and disaster preparedness.
For more details on this project, you may access this article.
Sustainable Fisheries
LNU and DOST Empower Burayan Fisherfolk through Aqua-Silviculture Training
Leyte Normal University (LNU), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST-CEST) program, has launched a livelihood initiative to equip artisanal fisherfolk in Brgy. Burayan, Tacloban City with aqua-silviculture skills. The project, titled “Empowering an Indigenous Community: Leveraging Aqua-silviculture among Artisanal Fisherfolk,” began with a Technology Needs Assessment in December 2021 to identify the specific tools and methods needed to improve the local fishing system.
In March 2022, LNU’s Science Unit faculty, along with student extensionists, conducted a hands-on orientation to train the fisherfolk in sustainable aqua-silviculture techniques. This session also introduced community-based coastal resource management practices and offered training in marketing and entrepreneurship to enhance their economic resilience.
Further support was formalized in April 2022 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and fund turnover. Later that month, a Multi-sectoral Consultation Seminar-Workshop brought together local leaders and community organizations to outline the intervention’s goals, focusing on technology provision, education, and aquaculture equipment. This collaborative effort aims to empower Brgy. Burayan’s fisherfolk by equipping them with the skills and resources needed for sustainable livelihoods.
DOST Strengthens Partnership with LNU for Aquasilviculture Project in Tacloban City
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently strengthened its commitment to Leyte Normal University’s (LNU) Aquasilviculture Project in Brgy. 83-A Burayan, Tacloban City, through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and the ceremonial turn-over of funds. This initiative, part of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, aims to enhance the livelihoods of artisanal fisherfolk by providing training in sustainable aquasilviculture techniques and coastal resource management. Through a funding support of PHP 300,400, the project seeks to build resilience and empower local communities affected by environmental challenges.
The project, titled “Empowering an Indigenous Community: Leveraging Aquasilviculture among Artisanal Fisherfolk of Brgy. 83-A Burayan,” focuses on equipping local fisherfolk with knowledge and skills in aquasilviculture, a sustainable method combining aquaculture and mangrove management. This intervention addresses the severe impact of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which caused significant damage to the mangrove and beach forest greenbelts in Burayan. Through this community extension initiative, LNU and DOST aim to restore these vital ecosystems while providing a sustainable livelihood model for the community, encouraging responsible management of natural resources.
Alongside the technical training, LNU is committed to offering educational programs and outreach initiatives for local and national communities, promoting sustainable practices in fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. By providing resources and knowledge on environmental stewardship, this project not only aids in ecological restoration but also fosters a culture of sustainability and community-driven conservation efforts. Through these collaborative actions, LNU and DOST contribute to long-term environmental resilience and economic stability for coastal communities.
For more details on this project, you may access this article.
Community Outreach to Raise Awareness on Overfishing
62nd Fish Conservation Week in Eastern Visayas: Raising Awareness on Overfishing and Marine Protection
Bringing together advocates of fisheries conservation and sustainable community development, the 62nd Fish Conservation Week Celebration in Eastern Visayas culminated with the Recognition of Fisheries Conservation Allies on September 19, 2025, at the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Center, Tacloban City.
The event, spearheaded by BFAR Region 8, aimed to strengthen public awareness on the threats of overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and destructive fishing practices that endanger marine biodiversity and food security.
As part of its educational outreach initiative, students from Leyte Normal University (LNU)—through the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program—presented an advocacy theatrical performance depicting the lives, challenges, and resilience of local fisherfolk. The performance served as a creative platform for communicating the importance of responsible fishing, sustainable livelihoods, and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
This collaboration between LNU, the academe, government agencies, and community organizations demonstrates the power of education and culture-based advocacy in promoting the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Oceans
62nd Fish Conservation Week In Eastern Visayas
Bringing together advocates of fisheries conservation and community development, the 62nd Fish Conservation Week Celebration in Eastern Visayas culminated with the Recognition of Fisheries Conservation Allies on September 19, 2025, at the Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) Center, Tacloban City.
Fisheries conservation and fisherfolk empowerment partners from across the region—including the academe, Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Provincial Governments, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Fisherfolk Associations (FAs), and fisheries extension workers—were honored during the awarding ceremonies.
As part of the program, students from Leyte Normal University (LNU)—through the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program—staged an advocacy theatrical performance depicting the lives and struggles of fisherfolk. Their production highlighted the challenges faced by coastal communities and underscored the crucial role of collective action in protecting marine biodiversity and advancing the goals of Life Below Water (SDG 14).
Through the 62nd Fish Conservation Week Celebration, BFAR Region 8 reaffirmed its commitment to uniting stakeholders in championing sustainable fisheries management, ensuring food security, and fostering a shared responsibility to conserve marine ecosystems—a vital step toward achieving the global vision of Life Below Water and securing a sustainable future for coastal communities.
Other Activities Promoting Responsible Utilization of the Oceans
- LNU Partners with Global Organizations to Advance Sustainable Development Goals
- UN Water Conference
- LNU Forges Partnership with Agencies
- Leyte Normal University’s Admission to FIMFS
Policies to Conserve Food from Aquatic Sources
Maintaining Ecosystems and their Biodiversity
Collaborative Conservation — LNU and Brgy. Burayan Unite for Sustainable Mangrove Management
Leyte Normal University’s Bachelor of Science in Biology and BSED Science students joined hands 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 aimed at guiding the community in the conservation and sustainable use of mangrove resources — a crucial step toward protecting marine biodiversity and advancing the goals of Life Below Water (SDG 14).
This initiative underscores the power of collaboration between the university and the community in protecting and sustaining vital coastal ecosystems for future generations, reaffirming their shared commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of marine life.
LNU Launches Phase 1 of Mangonbangon River Rehabilitation
As part of Leyte Normal University’s lead-up to its centennial celebration in 2021, the university inaugurated the newly constructed Mangonbangon River Park in Brgy. 50-A, Youngfield, on the morning of December 16. The first phase of the rehabilitation project, costing PHP 2 million, marks a significant step towards revitalizing this crucial river area.
In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), LNU signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen efforts to preserve and rehabilitate the Mangonbangon River. The park, now featuring concrete benches and railings, will enter Phase 2 of rehabilitation, with another PHP 2 million allocated to enhance and expand the restoration area.
During the inauguration, the importance of rehabilitating the Mangonbangon stretch was highlighted as not only a project for LNU but a responsibility to neighboring barangays. LNU aims to set an example for all communities along the river, underscoring that maintaining the river is essential for environmental health and community well-being.
The Mangonbangon River plays a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity, acting as a natural corridor that connects freshwater and coastal ecosystems. By reducing pollutants and sedimentation through rehabilitation efforts, the river can better sustain local biodiversity and protect nearby marine environments, benefiting both wildlife and the communities that rely on these resources. This project reflects LNU’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to promoting sustainable practices for future generations.
LNU Extends Mangrove Monitoring Until 2025 to Strengthen Community Resilience and Environmental Sustainability
Leyte Normal University (LNU) will continue monitoring its mangrove rehabilitation efforts in Brgy. 83-A (Burayan), San Jose, Tacloban City, until 2025, ensuring the sustained impact of its Tacloban Mangrove Rehabilitation Program. Launched in 2015 in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this program has focused on restoring mangrove ecosystems to serve as natural bioshields, carbon sinks, and pollution filters, supporting both environmental health and community resilience.
The program began with the planting of 600 mangrove saplings by BS Biology and NSTP students along Burayan’s coastline and has included regular follow-up workshops, inspections, and community engagement activities. Over the years, LNU has conducted annual monitoring visits and educational sessions led by Science faculty and students, enhancing local awareness of mangroves’ role in protecting the environment and reducing disaster risk. Workshops like the “Burayan Marine Resource Symposium” and “Lecture Workshop on Mangrove Forest Rehabilitation” have further strengthened community understanding of the ecological importance of these coastal forests.
Although reforestation activities were completed in 2022, LNU’s commitment to monitoring and education until 2025 ensures the continued growth and resilience of the mangrove stand. By supporting the DENR’s National Greening Program and engaging residents in sustainable practices, LNU’s program aligns with its mission of “Doing Science for the People,” fostering a legacy of environmental stewardship and resource sustainability within the community.
Technological Interventions
Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards
Leyte Normal University Upholds Water Discharge Standards through Centralized Sewage Treatment System
Leyte Normal University (LNU) reinforces its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable campus operations through the establishment of a Centralized Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) system across its campuses.
The STP design ensures that all wastewater generated within the campus undergoes proper treatment before discharge, in strict compliance with national water quality standards and effluent regulations set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and aligned with the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275).
Through the identified sewer manholes, influent tapping points, and controlled effluent discharge lines, the University guarantees that no untreated wastewater reaches natural water bodies. This system plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of nearby aquatic ecosystems by filtering and neutralizing contaminants before any discharge occurs.
LNU’s water discharge policy emphasizes:
- Compliance with National Standards — All treated effluent meets DENR-prescribed parameters, ensuring that discharge water is safe for the environment.
- Ecosystem Protection — By preventing harmful pollutants from entering rivers and coastal waters, LNU safeguards marine and freshwater biodiversity.
- Sustainable Wastewater Management — The centralized STP system promotes efficient wastewater collection, treatment, and monitoring across all university facilities.
Through these measures, Leyte Normal University not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also advances its advocacy for environmental stewardship, aligning its campus practices with Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
LNU Water Recycling Program
Leyte Normal University (LNU) has launched a comprehensive Water Recycling Program in line with national environmental policies and its commitment to sustainability. This program aligns with the Philippines’ water conservation strategy, particularly Republic Act No. 9275 – The Philippine Clean Water Act, which mandates the sustainable management and protection of the country’s water resources.
LNU’s program supports this vision by implementing innovative water recycling measures to reduce waste and maximize water use on campus. A key feature of the initiative is a facility designed for the collection and treatment of rainwater and wastewater, which allows for the reuse of water in non-potable applications such as irrigation, cleaning, and toilet flushing. This facility significantly lessens the university’s reliance on freshwater sources, especially critical in a region vulnerable to extreme weather.
In addition, LNU adheres to strict water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges to maintain water quality and protect ecosystems. By recycling rainwater and wastewater, the university reduces the impact on local water supplies and contributes to the conservation of vital resources in an eco-conscious manner.
Through its Water Recycling Program, Leyte Normal University demonstrates leadership in environmental stewardship and water conservation, setting an example for other educational institutions in the Philippines. This initiative underscores LNU’s commitment to a sustainable future, advancing the country’s broader goals of water security and ecological preservation.
Action Plan to Reducing Plastic Waste
LNU Waste Disposal Plan
Leyte Normal University (LNU) is advancing its commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability with a robust, zero-waste initiative that goes beyond the typical “3Rs”—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This program, based on a seven-step hierarchy with 15 distinct actions, aims to minimize the environmental impact on local ecosystems, especially waterways that support marine biodiversity.
Education is a key component of LNU’s strategy. Through curriculum integration, campus orientations, and visible posters, LNU promotes awareness of sustainable practices among students, faculty, and staff. Preventing waste is also a priority, with paperless processes for submissions and enrollment, and a focus on reusable items like water bottles and food containers.
To further reduce waste, LNU has implemented mulching and vermicomposting on campus, repurposing organic matter to enrich soil and support plant growth. Creative reuse practices are also encouraged, such as gathering single-sided paper for notes and using ecobricks made from plastic waste to add vibrant elements to campus spaces. Recycling is maximized by sorting waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable categories, and collecting and reselling materials like plastic bottles and cans.
LNU emphasizes safe disposal by storing used batteries and bulbs responsibly and treating wastewater in septic tanks to prevent environmental contamination. Through these comprehensive efforts, LNU not only supports global sustainability goals but also plays an active role in preserving local waterways and marine ecosystems. This initiative reflects LNU’s dedication to environmental stewardship and serves as a model of sustainable practices for the community.
Plastics to Purpose: LNU’s 104th Founding Anniversary Highlights Commitment to Marine Conservation
Leyte Normal University (LNU) officially unveiled its 104th Founding Anniversary on Monday, March 3, 2025, marking the celebration with a powerful message of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The festivities began at 5:00 A.M. with the Walk for the Environment, where hundreds of Normalistas, along with barangay councils in Tacloban City, faculty members, and administrative staff, joined forces for a university-wide walk promoting ecological awareness and collective action for a greener future.
In a symbolic and sustainable gesture, event registration was done through the collection of plastic bottles—waste materials that could have otherwise ended up polluting rivers and oceans, threatening marine ecosystems and marine life. This initiative underscores LNU’s active stance in protecting bodies of water and preventing plastic waste from contributing to ocean pollution.
Through these activities, LNU reinforces its mission of integrating sustainability into campus culture—empowering its community to take part in environmental stewardship and responsible waste management. The university’s green celebration reflects its ongoing advocacy aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, emphasizing that protecting marine biodiversity begins with small, conscious actions on land.
By transforming its founding celebration into a platform for ecological awareness, Leyte Normal University continues to serve as a model of educational excellence rooted in compassion for the planet and its waters—reminding everyone that every bottle saved is one step closer to preserving our oceans and marine life.
See this link for more details.
Policies on Reducing Marine Pollution
LNU Water Pollution Policy
Leyte Normal University (LNU) is proud to report that 0% of its waste reaches any surrounding bodies of water, emphasizing its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. This achievement reflects LNU’s strict compliance with the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275), which mandates that institutions take essential measures to prevent water pollution and protect the nation’s valuable water resources. Through responsible waste management practices, LNU ensures that all waste generated on campus is disposed of in a manner that protects water quality and upholds ecological integrity.
To achieve this zero-waste-to-water goal, LNU has implemented comprehensive waste segregation and recycling programs that minimize waste output and prevent harmful substances from contaminating local rivers, streams, and coastal areas. The university enforces strict protocols for waste handling and disposal, ensuring that no hazardous materials or pollutants are disposed of in a way that could impact nearby bodies of water. These practices are regularly monitored to align with Republic Act No. 9275 standards, reinforcing LNU’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
This zero-discharge policy into bodies of water exemplifies LNU’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and compliance with national regulations. By upholding these high standards, LNU not only meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act but also sets a positive example for sustainable practices within the academic sector. This commitment to protecting water resources ensures a healthier, more sustainable future for the surrounding community and beyond.
Minimizing Alteration of Aquatic Systems
Monitoring the Health of Aquatic Systems
- Field Observations in Anibong Bay, Tacloban City
- Resilient Seagrass in the Realm of Climate Change
- Observation of Mangrove Crabs in Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City
Programs Towards Good Aquatic Stewardship Practices
Celebration of Science Month with Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Leyte Normal University recently concluded its Science Month celebration, Siyentista Normalista 2024, with an emphasis on using science and technology as tools for sustainability and environmental care. The event’s culmination included a unique “Trashion Show,” where participants showcased creative outfits made from recycled materials, highlighting the importance of waste reduction and resource conservation. This innovative event not only celebrated scientific creativity but also demonstrated the university’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices.
For more details on this activity, you may access this article.
Other Activities
Collaboration for Shared Aquatic Ecosystems
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 (LNU) presented a Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan to the residents of Brgy. 83-A Burayan, San Jose, Tacloban City, on April 20, 2024.
This initiative aims to empower residents as stewards of the mangrove ecosystem and advocates for its conservation and sustainable management—crucial in protecting marine biodiversity and advancing the goals of Life Below Water (SDG 14).
The presentation covered strategies and interventions such as habitat restoration, pollution control measures, and the enforcement of environmental regulations. It also encouraged active community participation in the implementation of the management plan, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in protecting natural resources for present and future generations.
For more details on this activity, you may access this article.
Watershed Management Strategies
Leyte LGUs, Agencies Unite for Sustainable Water and River Basin Management
In a landmark move toward environmental sustainability, government agencies, local government units (LGUs), academic institutions, and civil society organizations signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing the Cluster V River Basin Coordinating Council, which covers the Binahaan, Daguitan-Marabong, and Palo watersheds.
The agreement, signed in Barangay Baras, Palo, Leyte, formalizes a unified effort to protect and sustainably manage Leyte’s vital water resources. Anchored on the principles of ecological balance and inter-agency collaboration, the council aims to implement a Climate Change–Responsive Integrated River Basin Management and Development Master Plan for the Cluster V River Basin.
Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla of the Province of Leyte leads the council as chairperson, alongside representatives from the DENR, DILG, DA, NEDA, and various cities and municipalities across the province. Academic partners including Leyte Normal University, Visayas State University, and Eastern Visayas State University will contribute through research and community-based initiatives.
The council’s primary goal is to restore degraded watersheds, improve water quality, and ensure sustainable access to clean water for communities. It also seeks to strengthen local participation, promote climate resilience, and harmonize policies among sectors engaged in natural resource management.
See the link below for more details:
Research On Life Below Water
The following are the published research done by the academic community in the university supporting SDG 14:
- Diversity of Macrobenthic Invertebrates in the Mangrove Ecosystem of Leyte, Philippines
- Go City Green Through a Community of Practice: Knowledge Management for Environmental Sustainability
- Resilient Seagrass in the Realm of Climate Change
- Analysis of Water Quality in Burayan River Tacloban City, Eastern Philippines
