A significant milestone in strengthening environmental partnerships and community engagement was celebrated on August 29, 2026, through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing between John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) and JCI Regatta-Iloilo, held at JBLCF Puerto del Mar, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. The occasion was highlighted by the formal turnover of the Mangrove Footbridge and Gazebo Project, established to support environmental education, conservation, and sustainable management initiatives within the area.
The project was generously funded by Stolt-Nielsen through JCI Regatta-Iloilo, with the invaluable efforts of C/M Joey Infante, former CI Expert and Lead for Environmental Projects of Stolt-Nielsen and a Board Member of JBLCF Puerto del Mar. His commitment and advocacy for environmental stewardship played a significant role in bringing this meaningful project to fruition.
The Mangrove Footbridge and Gazebo is envisioned as an important facility for environmental education, learning, community engagement, and conservation. It will provide students, faculty, community members, and other stakeholders with a venue to appreciate the importance of mangrove ecosystems and their role in protecting coastal communities and sustaining marine biodiversity.
As part of the partnership, JCI Regatta-Iloilo also donated materials to support the operation and sustainable management of the Mangrove Nursery. This additional assistance will help strengthen ongoing mangrove conservation efforts and promote the long-term sustainability of the environmental initiatives at JBLCF Puerto del Mar and the Igang Bay Marine Sanctuary (IBMS).
Present during the gathering were JBLFMU CEO Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian, Mr. John Znon B. Sebastian, Member of the JBLFMU Board of Trustees, and Dr. Mary Mar Jaleco, CES Coordinator, together with the JBLFMU-Molo Community Extension Services (CES) Officer and volunteers.
This environmental initiative stands as a testament to the power of partnership, where shared vision, collective effort, and commitment to sustainability can create meaningful and lasting impact for communities and the environment.