The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently showcased its leadership in advancing nature-based solutions and integrated resource management during the 5th International Conference on Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (INREM 2025), held on November 18–20, 2025 at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
As a key partner and one of the event’s major sponsors, the DOST-PCAARRD supported major plenary and parallel sessions that highlighted research initiatives contributing to climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and evidence-based policy development.
With the theme “Innovating through Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (INREM): Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience and Sustainability,” the conference brought together scientists, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region.
DOST-PCAARRD’s sponsored sessions highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of science-based solutions into government programs and community practices. The presentations highlighted the Council’s broad work across the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors, demonstrating how research outputs can enhance local resilience and support environmental sustainability.
The plenary presentations focused on policy harmonization, ecosystem-based production systems, and natural capital valuation. These were the highlights of the presentations:
- Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz emphasized the need for improved interagency coordination through a proposed 10-Point Action Agenda aimed at harmonizing national and local development plans.
- Dr. Juan M. Pulhin presented the (ITMoB) project, showing how integrating indigenous knowledge with modern bioproduction systems enhances ecosystem services and community resilience, with diversified systems outperforming monocultures.
- Dr. Asa Jose U. Sajise discussed efforts to institutionalize Payment for Water Ecosystem Services through both legislative mechanisms and behavioral approaches, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement.
- Dr. Canesio D. Predo shared natural capital accounting findings from the West Philippine Sea, quantifying the economic value of key ecosystem services and demonstrating that conservation yields tangible economic returns.
The parallel session, moderated by Ms. Gemmalyn Trespalacio of the Socio-Economics Research Division, featured a diverse set of studies on strategies for building resilient communities and ecosystems. These were the highlights of the parallel session:
- Dr. Darlene Lovina examined gender-differentiated vulnerabilities in Busuanga and Coron, underscoring the need for shared responsibilities, improved services, and nature-based solutions to strengthen climate resilience.
- A study on tiger grass farming in Burgos, La Union highlighted this indigenous practice as a climate-smart livelihood that stabilizes soil and contributes to carbon sequestration, despite market and climate-related challenges.
- For. Diego Miguel Sapnu presented the integration of the Ridge-to-Reef/Watershed Ecosystem Management approach into Bataan’s provincial planning through a readiness model that helps LGUs assess institutional and technical capacities while identifying governance barriers.
- Dr. Russel Galindo reported on the management effectiveness of marine protected areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula, revealing uneven performance and declining biodiversity, and calling for stronger LGU support, dedicated staff, and stricter enforcement to sustain conservation gains.
Collectively, these studies demonstrated how PCAARRD-supported research informs policymaking, strengthens community resilience, and promotes sustainable practices across both landscapes and seascapes.
The INREM 2025 conference reaffirmed the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and nature-based solutions in addressing the country’s climate and environmental challenges. Through its sponsored sessions, DOST-PCAARRD highlighted research that informs policy, empowers communities, and supports sustainable development across diverse ecosystems.
By championing science-based strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, DOST-PCAARRD continues to advance integrated natural resources management and contribute to a more climate-resilient Philippines.