By: Johann Francis M Besoro
MAERS Center Intern
Xavier University’s (XU) McKeough Advancement for Environment, Resilience, and Sustainability (MAERS) Center hosted its second year for ‘McKeough Marine Exploration (MM-X)’ last 4 to 6 June 2026. The eleven participants were senior high students from different schools, eager to learn more about marine ecosystems. The current program shares its origins with ‘Marine Summer Camp 2018-2019’, created by Fr Mars P Tan, SJ, when he was the director of McKeough Marine Center (MMC). MM-X carries the legacy of the past program, as the explorers are expected to gain deep appreciation for our marine world, as well as grow a responsible and nurturing attitude for marine habitats and life. With a balance of insightful discussions and basic fieldwork training, the program serves as a stepping stone for explorers who want to pursue Marine Biology as a future career.
Day 1: Indoor lectures & activities (SC 105)
Day 2: Lectures, Seagrass and Coral exploration
(XU Marine Station)
Day 3: Plankton sampling & physicochemical test, Graduation
Summary of the MM-X 2026 program
The first day was primarily focused on lectures within our very own Science Center laboratory for Marine biology: SC105. Key discussions were the introduction and basics of marine ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and conservation methods and practices. Follow-up activities were done after each lecture so the students can summarize their learnings.
The second day was done at XU’s Marine Station located in Barangay Solana, Jasaan. The morning lectures focused on mangroves, seagrass, and corals, which was followed by a supervised snorkelling for the explorers to have a personal, first-hand experience viewing seagrass and corals within the station’s boundaries. The afternoon lectures were brief overviews on plankton and marine physicochemical aspects, relevant for the final day’s activities. After a rest period, the day ended with a socials night, where the explorers and their facilitators were able to show lighthearted fun and teamwork.
The participants and their facilitators after the viewing of seagrass and coral life.
The final day focused on water sampling, primarily for viewing unique planktonic life, and the analysis and presentation of water physicochemical parameters. After these activities, the participants were given time to create their legacy banner, a handcrafted team symbol merging all of their significant learnings, realizations, and valuable memories. The afternoon session had a short graduation ceremony, the presentation of the explorers’ legacy banner, and travel back to XU, spirits high and valuable friendships made.
Through this program, XU-MAERS continues to build its multi-disciplinary legacy of conserving biodiversity and maintaining the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems through learning engagements, particularly by fostering camaraderie with the Filipino youth. XU-MAERS also contributes to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), most especially Quality Education, Climate Action, and Life Below Water.
We extend our heartwarming gratitude to the following organizations who contributed to the success of MM-X 2026: Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), XU BIOPHILIC Society, Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD), Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), Philippine Jesuit Refugee Service (PJRS) and all our anonymous sponsors.