MALAPATAN, Sarangani (May 14) — In a proactive effort to address growing concerns over saltwater crocodile sightings in Sarangani Bay, Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-Gensan) joined forces with the Provincial Government of Sarangani to launch an awareness campaign in Barangay Lun Masla.
The initiative, dubbed “Crocwise Sarangan,” was spearheaded by MSU-Gensan’s Doctor of Philosophy students under the guidance of Prof. Russtum Pelima. It was conducted in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Area Management Office (DENR-PAMO) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO).
Participants in the seminar-workshop included students from Malapatan College of Science and Technology (MALAHSCI), Bantay Dagat volunteers, and local residents. The event aimed to educate the community about saltwater crocodiles, their behavior, and appropriate response measures during encounters.
“This campaign stemmed from a class requirement for PA304 – Seminar in Philosophy of Language. But more than fulfilling academic goals, we wanted to use language and education to serve the community meaningfully,” said Rod Ryan Eturma, one of the facilitators.
Eturma added that the sightings of a saltwater crocodile in the bay heightened the need to engage local communities in safety education and wildlife conservation. The awareness drive also sought to debunk myths surrounding the species, highlight its ecological significance, and foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Longtime Bantay Dagat volunteer Jimmy Lumagot and MALAHSCI student Emmanuel Estrada were among the participants who welcomed the campaign, expressing appreciation for the new insights and practical knowledge shared during the session.
Beyond the workshop, the campaign team extended their efforts through house-to-house visits, community immersion, interviews, and distribution of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. These activities aimed to ensure that the message reached every household and that the awareness drive resonated at the grassroots level.
The campaign also complements the forthcoming SarBay Festival, which champions not only the province’s beach tourism but also the protection and preservation of Sarangani Bay and its marine biodiversity.
Through “Crocwise Sarangan,” organizers hope to strike a balance between environmental conservation and community safety, empowering residents with the right knowledge to live in harmony with nature.