VSU-DBS leads coral reef monitoring training with BFAR-8 under the FishCoRe Project

Visayas State University’s Department of Biological Sciences (VSU-DBS) has partnered with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region VIII (BFAR 8) to roll out the “ALWAN” (C30) Method, a citizen science–based approach to monitoring coral reefs. 

The five-day Training of Trainers, held on August 11–15, 2025, equipped fisheries officers and field practitioners with practical tools for reef assessment, and linked academic expertise with coastal resource management.

The ALWAN method, co-developed by Dr. Wilfredo “Al” Licuanan and partners from NGOs, freediving groups, and local communities, makes reef monitoring more accessible to non-scientists. 

“Alwan” in Batangueño means “to ease” or “to be in a better situation”, a fitting description of its goal which is to simplify reef monitoring while generating reliable data for conservation and fisheries planning.

At the training, VSU-DBS faculty members Mr. Rafael Junnar Dumalan (Project Leader), Senona Cesar and Donna Guarte-Valida (Study Leaders), with Ma. Stephanie Garcia (Science Research Assistant), guided participants through lectures, workshops, and hands-on application. 

The sessions were hosted at the Provincial Fisheries Office in Brgy. Combado, Maasin City, and extended to field exercises at the Molopolo–Sta. Cruz Bird & Fish Sanctuary in Macrohon, Southern Leyte.

The ALWAN method trains participants to monitor three reef health indicators. The coral cover which is assessed using photo-quadrats (C30 method) to estimate hard coral cover, a direct indicator of reef condition; the butterflyfishes which is observed for their ecological ties with corals and recognizable color patterns that make them suitable for community monitoring, and; the target invertebrates which is  recorded as indicators of water quality, recruitment potential, harvesting pressure, and other threats.

What makes ALWAN distinct is its capacity to involve community members while still producing scientifically sound results.

The practical exercise in Macrohon gave trainees an opportunity to test their skills under real conditions. Data was gathered, processed, and interpreted within the day, providing an immediate assessment of the sanctuary’s ecological status. This real-time approach mirrors the method’s core intent which is to empower local institutions with the capacity to collect and interpret reef data independently.

As marine biodiversity faces increasing threats from climate change and overfishing, initiatives like ALWAN show how VSU’s research culture can translate into practical tools for communities, agencies, and policymakers.

This article is aligned with the Sustainable Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action; SDG 14: Life Below Water; SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

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