UP MSI, UPLB-INREM, and UP IMLOS advance natural capital accounting efforts through the RE-INVEST WPS Program Workshop
Featured photo: Attendees of the “Laying the Foundation for Natural Capital Accounting for the West Philippine Sea” workshop.
“We measure what matters so that we can defend what lasts.”
– Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen
The workshop “Laying the Foundation for Natural Capital Accounting for the West Philippine Sea” was held last September 2, 2025, at the New Marine Science Institute Building in UP Diliman, Quezon City.
This culminating event of the “Resource Inventory, Valuation and Policy in Ecosystem Services under Threat: The Case of the West Philippine Sea” (RE-INVEST WPS) Program brought together key stakeholders to advance the understanding and implementation of natural capital accounting (NCA) in the Philippines. The three-year program comprises three interconnected projects implemented by: UP Marine Science Institute (UP MSI); UP Los Baños – Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM); and the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS); with the support of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
The workshop’s ultimate goal was to present possibilities for the program’s findings to provide input to the Philippine Environmental Natural Capital Accounting and Sustainable Development (PENCAS) Act, R.A. 11995, with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as a case study.
The event was opened by the welcome remarks of UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen delivered the keynote address, underscoring the role of NCA in stewarding the nation’s natural resources: “By assigning concrete, auditable values to resources such as fish biomass, biodiversity, reef structure, coastal carbon stores… We convert the intangible burden of stewards into entries that auditors, budget officials, negotiators, lawmakers, policymakers, and the courts can no longer ignore,” proclaimed SAJ Leonen.
Following this, Dr. Asa Sajise of the College of Economics, UP Los Baños and Vice President Dr. Gem Castillo of Resources, Environment, and Economics Center for Studies Inc. delivered their presentation titled: “Natural Capital Accounting of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: The Case of the West Philippine Sea.” The presentation introduced principles and methodologies of NCA as applied to study sites within the WPS.
Alongside the workshop was the launch of the art and science exhibit “Kulay Ug Kagaangan,” a collection of works by Mindanaoan and Visayan artists exploring our relationship as Filipinos to our marine heritage. The artworks were complemented by posters featuring findings of RE-INVEST WPS Project 1 researchers of UP MSI on the West Philippine Sea.
Sessions throughout the day encouraged active participation and exchange of insights among the stakeholders. The afternoon breakout sessions on “Policy: Validating Research and Gathering Feedback” and “Natural Capital Accounting: Exploring National and Local Implementation of NCA under the PENCAS Act” sparked conversations on future paths forward.
Closing remarks from Director Ernesto O. Brown of DOST-PCAARRD capped off the sessions. The event concluded with an inspirational message from Senator Loren Legarda. She called on those present to “defend the West Philippine Sea, not just with laws and patrols, but with wisdom, science, love for country, and a strong sense of justice… Together, let us build a nation where nature is not sacrificed for progress, but recognized as its very source.”
In attendance were Assistant Director Mariglo Laririt of DENR-BMB, Director of UP MSI and RE-INVEST WPS Program Leader Dr. Laura T. David, Project 2 Leaders Dr. Asa Sajise and Dr. Canesio Predo of UPLB-INREM, and Director of UP IMLOS and Project 3 Leader Dr. Jay Batongbacal; as well as representatives from:
- DOST-PCAARRD Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development
- DA-BFAR Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
- DENR-BMB Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau
- DENR-BMB-CMD Coastal and Marine Division
- DENR-KISS Knowledge and Information Systems Service
- DENR-OETF Ocean Environment Task Force
- DOF-BLGF Department of Finance – Bureau of Local Government Finance
- PCG-MEPC Philippine Coast Guard – Marine Environmental Protection Command
- PhilSA Philippine Space Agency
- PSA Philippine Statistics Authority
- PCSD Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
- SC Supreme Court of the Philippines
- PHILJA Philippine Judicial Academy
- RTC Regional Trial Court Quezon City Branch 101
- Senate Committee on Economic Affairs
- Office of Senator Loren Legarda
- Office of Senator Pia Cayetano
- Office of Senator Erwin Tulfo
- PG-ENRO Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office Batangas
- MENRO Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office Lian, Batangas
- MENRO Calatagan, Batangas
- PG-ENRO Bataan
- Zambales Provincial Planning and Development Office
- PRMSU President Ramon Magsaysay State University
- ADB-ERDI Asian Development Bank – Economic Research and Development Impact Department
- The Asia Foundation
- MSN Marine Protected Areas Support Network
- PEMSEA Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia
- REECS Resources, Environment, and Economics Center for Studies Inc.
- Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc.
The event ended with a night of music and dance by performing artist Bayang Barrios at Ang Naliyagan Entourage, celebrating the value of nature.
The “Kulay Ug Kagaangan” exhibit continues to welcome visitors at the New Marine Science Institute Building until September 30, 2025.
Acknowledgements: The three-year RE-INVEST WPS program is implemented by UP MSI, UPLB-INREM, and UP IMLOS with funding support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).