Dr. Severino G. Salmo III and his team of research associates and students from the Wetland and linked Aquatic-Terrestrial Ecosystems Research (WATER) Laboratory, Institute of Biology recently conducted another fieldwork in Oriental Mindoro last January 14-18, 2026, to study the mangroves and seagrass ecosystems of selected municipalities in the province. They were joined by Dr. Ayin Tamondong, Assistant Professor Jommer Medina, and two students from the Department of Geodetic Engineering.
The mangrove team, composed of Sean Manalo (Research Associate), Alessandra Morado (PhD student), and Jazrel Kallos (undergraduate student), carried out the regular vegetation assessment and sediment collection within the permanent monitoring plots established in the mangroves of Bongabong, Roxas, and Mansalay. The team also met with Hon. Jayson Barcelona, Vice Mayor of Bongabong, during a courtesy call to share updates and discuss the significance of the ongoing research.
Dr. Salmo led the seagrass team, consisting of Precious Jacob (Research Associate and MS student), Tin Solomon (undergraduate student), and Geodetic Engineering students Chris Sumilang and Edgar Dumalaog. The team collected biomass and sediment samples, assessed seagrass cover, and conducted seagrass mapping validation in Mansalay. Dr. Tamondong and Asst. Prof. Medina joined the seagrass team during the latter half of the fieldwork.
The team extends its gratitude to the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro and Local Governments of Bongabong, Roxas, and Mansalay, for their continued support of our research efforts in the province.
Mangrove Ecology 