Western Philippines University Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lita B. Sopsop, earned the Best Natural Science Study (Oral Presentation) award for her research titled “Economic Value of the Mangrove Ecosystem in So. Marikit, Brgy. San Juan, Aborlan, Palawan, Philippines,” presented during the 1st Philippine Toxinology Congress and the 6th International Symposium on ASEAN Marine Animal and Snake Envenoming/Poisoning Management (AMSEM) held on December 3–5, 2025, at the WPU Puerto Princesa City Campus, hosted by the College of Fisheries and Natural Sciences, College of Education, and College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Sopsop’s award-winning study underscores the critical ecological and economic importance of mangrove ecosystems in sustaining coastal livelihoods, protecting shorelines, and supporting biodiversity in Palawan.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lota A. Creencia, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development, and Extension (RIDE), and Prof. Arlene Avillanosa also took the international stage as plenary speakers during the congress. Their plenary lectures centered on marine ecosystems, harmful algal blooms, and aquaculture, emphasizing the growing challenges these pose to public health, fisheries productivity, and coastal sustainability in the Philippines and the ASEAN region.