By: Ria Duana A. Roble

As part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities - Service Learning Program (AJCU-SLP) Asia Pacific of Xavier University’s Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana-Social Involvement Office (KKP-SIO), the XU McKeough Marine Center (MMC) organized a Marine Learning Trip geared towards getting a sound awareness and exposure to the Agutayan Island for the AJCU delegates on August 17, 2014. The participants came from the different Jesuit schools in Korea, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

Prior to the actual trip, a short lecture about the programs of MMC with its endeavor for marine conservation and a brief orientation about the details and rules of the trip to Agutayan Island were given in the evening of August 15 at XU Manresa. During the trip, the MMC team disclosed some significant information about the giant clams and other marine resources to the delight of the delegates since it was their first time to observe these marine wonders in their natural habitat. However, when told that these organisms are in the verge of extinction due to human intrusion and environmental imbalance, they expressed as much concern to do their part to help protect these endangered species. The tour was rather short but worthwhile for everybody.

The rest of the morning was spent by the delegates snorkeling and swimming in the area which obviously made their learning experience more fun, refreshing and undeniably worth sharing to their respective home countries.