Enverga University leads coastal community in climate education and action

Local climate education in action

The initiatives at Brgy. Ransohan formed part of the University’s commitment to provide local education programs and campaigns on climate change. Each activity combined environmental action with orientation, reflection, and discussion so participants could understand why the coast must be protected and how communities can adapt to increasing climate risks.

Faculty members and student leaders from the College of Maritime Education (CME) explained the link between marine pollution, stronger storms, coastal erosion, and flooding, and guided participants on practical ways to reduce environmental impact in their own households and barangay. Barangay officials and partners helped reinforce messages on community preparedness and early warning, especially for families living near the shoreline.

Coastal revival: A community clean-up for climate awareness

April 27, 2024 – Brgy. Ransohan, Lucena City

The College of Maritime Education, in partnership with Community Extension Services, organized a coastal clean-up dubbed “Coastal Revival” at Brgy. Ransohan.

Students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers worked together to remove trash and debris from the shoreline. Alongside the physical clean-up, facilitators emphasized how improper waste disposal worsens flooding, harms marine life, and weakens the natural defenses of the coast. Participants were encouraged to see the activity not only as a one-day event but as part of a continuing effort to change daily habits, support local solid waste management, and protect the community from climate-related hazards.

The event also served as a venue to thank partners in the barangay for their support and to inspire more residents, especially the youth, to become advocates for cleaner and safer coasts.

Coastal Clean-Up Drive: Strengthening shared responsibility

September 14, 2024 – Brgy. Ransohan, Lucena City

On September 14, 2024, the College of Maritime Education once again joined forces with faculty, staff, students, and barangay officials for another Coastal Clean-Up Drive in Brgy. Ransohan.

The team focused on clearing plastic waste and other discarded materials that could block waterways and damage marine ecosystems. Short inputs were given during the activity to explain how healthy coastal ecosystems can reduce the impacts of storm surges and sea-level rise, and how community members can respond to early warnings and advisories from local authorities.

Through this drive, participants were reminded that consistent community action is essential to preserving coastal ecosystems and reducing disaster risks. The event encouraged residents to remain vigilant and united in protecting their shoreline throughout the year.

Mangrove planting for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness

November 23, 2024 – Brgy. Ransohan, Lucena City

On November 23, 2024, the College of Maritime Education conducted a mangrove planting activity along the coastal area of Brgy. Ransohan, Lucena City.

The initiative brought together barangay officials, CME faculty and staff, the Office of Student Organizations (OSO) coordinator Sir Roderick Rabina, Nurse Hazel from Medical and Dental Services, maritime students, and partners from Ransohan Integrated School. Led by CES coordinator Sir Rio Henson Derecho, the team carefully planned and executed the activity to maximize both environmental and educational impact.

Before planting, students received a briefing on the role of mangroves as natural barriers that help:

• Lessen the strength of storm surges

• Prevent coastal erosion

• Provide breeding grounds for marine species

• Support long-term climate adaptation for coastal communities

The activity highlighted that planting and nurturing mangroves is a concrete form of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction. It also reinforced how maritime students must be prepared for disasters, not only at sea but also in the coastal communities they serve.

The College expressed its gratitude to Brgy. Ransohan and Ransohan Integrated School for their consistent support, which has allowed the University to sustain its climate action and environmental education work in the area.

Education beyond the classroom

Across these three activities, Enverga University showed that climate change education goes beyond lectures. By combining clean-up drives, mangrove planting, community partnerships, and on-site orientations, the University helped the people of Brgy. Ransohan better understand:

• The risks and impacts of climate change on coastal communities

• Practical mitigation steps, such as proper waste management and reduced pollution

• Adaptation and impact reduction through ecosystem restoration and community preparedness

• The importance of early warning, coordination with barangay officials, and readiness for extreme weather events

These programs demonstrate MSEUF’s role as a local education provider on climate change and disaster resilience, grounded in real-life community engagement.

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Enverga University’s climate education and coastal community initiatives reflect its three-fold function of instruction, research, and community service. By integrating environmental stewardship into student formation and community outreach, the University lives out its core values of Mindfulness, Service, Excellence, Unity, and Fortitude. These efforts also support its vision to be a globally competitive university that responds to national development needs and global challenges such as climate change.