Warm greetings from Mindanao, Philippines to all PEMSEA officers, Van Moneneth, headed by its president Dr Wansuk Senanan, PRF Executive Director, Ms Aimee Gonzales, all presidents and representatives from HEI and centers who are members of PNLC, guests and friends.

I would like to express my gratitude to PEMSEA for inviting Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan as a member and signatory of the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers.

Xavier Ateneo through its environmental centers in particular the McKeough Marine Center has always been active in research and advocacy work for the protection and rehabilitation of Cagayan de Or River and Macajalar Bay, the largest river and bay, within the Cagayan de Oro and the region, in partnership with government units and private institutions. At present, we are embarking on a project of replanting the bay with various species of mangroves while capacitating the local communities as empowered social and business partners.

However, I also believe that even with our present partnerships with local groups and institutions, we still do need to enhance further our education, technical, research, and advocacy programs in marine and coastal ecology. Enhancement can be in terms of good governance of coastal and marine environments, sustainable management of coastal and marine goods and services, and protection of these resources from continuing threats due to irresponsible human activities and disastrous natural calamities.

I believe our partnership and our commitment to PNLC will help us achieve these goals, and contribute also to the goals and objectives of PEMPSEA Network of Learning Centers for the whole East Asia.

Congratulations to PNLC, to us. Thank you. God bless us and our endeavors.