𝐔𝐏𝐕𝐅𝐈 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐙𝐒𝐋-𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 The University of the Philippines Visayas Foundation, Inc. (UPVFI), through the UPV Institute of Aquaculture (UPV IA), officially kicked off the “Recovery of Mangrove Ecosystems for Viable, Inclusive and Vital Enterprises” (REVIVE) project during an inception meeting with Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines held on May 20, 2026, at the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) Conference Room. Representing UPVFI at the inception were Executive Director Dr. Joy C. Lizada, Finance Officer Ms. Jocelyn T. Genesila, CPA, and the working staff.

REVIVE is a project funded under the Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) program and implemented in partnership with ZSL Philippines, UPV IA, and UPVFI. During the opening remarks, UPV IA Director and REVIVE project leader, Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols welcomed the joint technical and financial teams of the implementing institutions. In his address, Dr. Ferriols highlighted how the project aims to integrate mangrove-friendly design and management into the ponds at Brackishwater Aquaculture Center (BAC) in Leganes, Iloilo, and unlocking significant carbon removal potential. It also hopes to enable and empower local communities and smallholders in Iloilo and Guimaras.

The ZSL Philippines technical team led by Project Manager Mr. Christian Montilijao, Conservation Biologist Mr. Cesar Tabada, and Stakeholder Engagement Officer Mr. John Paul Bainggan also shed light on the operations and methodologies of the project. While the financial aspect of the project was spearheaded by the ZSL financial team comprising of Central Finance Officer Ms. Ana Mae Mendoza, Finance and Admin Assistant Ms. Maria Thelma Louella Guillamas, and Finance Manager Ms. Agnes Roman, in close coordination with UPVFI Finance Officer Ms. Genesila.

The inception meeting among the implementing institutions ensure that the objectives, timeline, and deliverables of the project are established and aligned. The implementation of the project began last March 16, 2026, and is set to accomplish on September 2027.