TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar is set to become a key center for marine science in the region as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) began the establishment of the Guiuan Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) in Barangay Baras, Guiuan.
The project officially took off following a groundbreaking ceremony held on December 11, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening marine research and conservation efforts in Eastern Visayas.
Once completed, the Guiuan MSRS will function as a dedicated facility for marine research, training, and scientific collaboration. It is envisioned as a hub for the study of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, generating vital scientific data to support the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.
The research station will also serve as a venue for capacity-building activities, offering training opportunities for researchers, local government personnel, students, and coastal communities in the region.
Part of a nationwide initiative, the Guiuan MSRS will be built on a 1,796-square-meter site and will represent one of the country’s six marine biogeographic regions.
The facility is expected to support science-based policymaking, climate change resilience planning, and the sustainable development of fisheries and ecotourism, with direct benefits for local fisherfolk and nearby coastal communities.
Once operational, the station will strengthen collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and local stakeholders, and will host inter-agency initiatives, field research, and community engagement activities focused on marine conservation and resource management.
DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Arturo Salazar said the Guiuan MSRS reflects a shared commitment to advancing marine science and environmental stewardship, underscoring the agency’s long-term push for research-driven decision-making to ensure the continued protection of the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
