In line with the celebration of Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2024 with a theme, “Pamana ng Karagatan: Ating Ingatan Para sa Kinabukasan,” the PENRO Palawan IEC Unit together with the CENRO PPC IEC conducted a lecture at San Jose National High School and San Jose National High School-Tagburos Annex about Marine Debris, Mangroves, and Seagrass. 

A total of 100 students (50 from SJNHS and 50 from Tagburos Annex) actively participated in the lecture. Information Officer Jessie Escandalo briefly introduced the profile of DENR Palawan and later on discussed the topic about Marine Debris. He highlighted in the discussion what could be the possible bad effects of marine debris in the environment especially with marine life. The importance of Mangroves and Seagrasses were discussed by Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management Program Extension Officer, Sanny Nedroda. 

The students also participated in the pre-test and post-test prepared by the lectures. It is worthy to mention how the scores of the students increased from pre-test to post-test after the engaging discussion of the topics. 

This activity aims to serve as the foundation for increasing awareness and inspiring engagement of the community especially the youth in protecting the environment.