04/05/2026
๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐น๐ฑ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐ฆ ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ on ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ญโ๐ฏ, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ | ๐ฆ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ด๐๐บ, ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐น, ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ถ, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ผ ๐ข๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐น
The BS Environmental Science students recently conducted their fieldwork on Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology on May 1โ3, 2026, at Sitio Magum, Macambol, City of Mati, Davao Oriental. The activity was designed to enrich the studentsโ learning by allowing them to apply classroom-based ecological concepts in actual field conditions.
The fieldwork was conducted under the supervision of Amy G. Ponce for Environmental Science 101 โ Terrestrial Ecology, and Dr. Lea A. Jimenez for ES-3B and Dr. Emily S. Antonio for ES-3A in Aquatic Ecology. Prior to the implementation, the activity underwent proper coordination and followed the necessary protocols for off-campus academic activities, including compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 63, Series of 2017.
During the fieldwork, the students were given the opportunity to observe and assess both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. For the aquatic ecology component, students conducted seagrass percent cover assessment and biodiversity assessment of flora and fauna in aquatic environments, including riparian zones. These activities helped students understand the ecological importance of aquatic habitats, species composition, habitat conditions, and the role of riparian areas in supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem health.
For the terrestrial ecology component, the students conducted biodiversity assessment using established methods such as the Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System (BAMS). The assessment involved the documentation and observation of flora and major faunal groups, including herpetofauna, mammals, and birds. Through these activities, students were able to strengthen their field observation skills, ecological documentation practices, and understanding of species-habitat relationships.
The students also experienced supervised basic morphometric measurements and proper handling procedures. These activities introduced them to responsible field techniques used in biodiversity assessment and monitoring. Under the guidance of their instructors, the students learned the importance of careful handling, accurate data collection, ethical field practices, and respect for wildlife and natural habitats.
The fieldwork provided a meaningful experiential learning opportunity for the students. It allowed them to connect theoretical discussions with real-life ecological applications, develop practical field skills, and deepen their appreciation for aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. The activity also helped cultivate environmental responsibility among students as future environmental science practitioners.
We gratefully acknowledge the LGU of Sitio Magum, Hallmark Mining, and the Mandaya Ancestral Domain (CADT No. R11-MAT-0814-170) for their essential cooperation during our fieldwork. Special thanks are also due to the DOrSU Administration for facilitating the necessary off-campus permits through Davao Oriental State University - Office of Student Affairs, and to the parents for their continued trust. Their assistance ensured the safe and successful conduct of this trip.
Through this fieldwork, the BS Environmental Science students were able to gain valuable field exposure, practical ecological skills, and a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. The experience served not only as an academic requirement but also as a formative activity that contributes to their growth as future environmental professionals committed to the protection and sustainable management of natural ecosystems.
