PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN — Western Philippines University (WPU) has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability and community development through a partnership with the Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD) and Palawan State University (PalSU) aimed at protecting and sustainably managing the Montible Watershed, one of Puerto Princesa City’s vital sources of water.
The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in December 2025, with WPU represented by Dr. Abraham P. Cea. The partnership brings together the expertise of academic institutions and the water district to address environmental challenges affecting the watershed while considering the socioeconomic conditions of communities dependent on its resources.
As one of the academic partners, WPU will contribute to the conduct of a comprehensive socioeconomic assessment of communities residing within and around the Montible Watershed. The assessment aims to identify livelihood conditions, community practices, and socioeconomic factors that may contribute to environmental degradation. Findings from the study are expected to provide a scientific basis for developing appropriate interventions that promote sustainable livelihoods, responsible resource utilization, and long-term watershed protection.
The initiative recognizes that effective watershed conservation extends beyond protecting forests and water sources. It also requires understanding the needs and challenges of local communities and engaging them in identifying sustainable solutions. By integrating research and community perspectives, the partnership seeks to support environmentally responsible practices without compromising the welfare and livelihood opportunities of watershed residents.
The collaboration forms part of PPCWD’s Gender and Development (GAD) Agenda and Integrated Watershed Management Plan for Montible, which seeks to strengthen environmental protection alongside inclusive community development.
For WPU, the partnership reinforces the University’s role in translating academic expertise into meaningful contributions to environmental governance and community well-being. It also highlights the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing local sustainability challenges through research-informed planning and community engagement.
The initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through watershed protection and water resource sustainability, SDG 15 (Life on Land) through conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened collaboration among academic institutions, government agencies, and local communities.
Through partnerships such as this, Western Philippines University continues to advance its commitment to research, extension, and sustainable development, supporting collective efforts to protect Palawan’s natural resources for present and future generations.
