Lalakbayin

29/08/2025

18/08/2025

𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀!

The journey of Morningstar, a U.S.-based group, continued in El Nido with two days of adventure, laughter, and shared moments. From the golden sands of Lio Beach to the coastal charm of Nacpan Beach Glamping, the group embraced the best of island living.

They enjoyed beach volleyball under the sun, zipline rides with panoramic views, and cozy campfire nights with s’mores, music, and heartfelt conversations. These moments of play and connection captured not just the beauty of El Nido, but also the spirit of teamwork and friendship.

Through shared meals, endless laughter, and breathtaking sunsets, the Morningstar members deepened bonds that made their Philippine journey even more unforgettable.

The Lalakbayin team extends heartfelt thanks to Epic Tours for curating experiences that blend joy, camaraderie, and sustainable travel. This adventure proves that the most epic memories are those shared together.

Here’s to more epic sunsets and stories yet to be written, and to 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀: Epic Tours

17/08/2025

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀!

After a meaningful cultural exchange with the Women Fisherfolk Leadership Corps, the members of Morningstar, a U.S.-based group, took on the 720-step trek to the summit of Mt. Tapyas. Their efforts were rewarded with a relaxing dip in the therapeutic warmth of Maquinit Hot Springs.

The adventure continued in harmony with nature as the group explored Coron’s breathtaking Marine Protected Areas. From the crystal-clear waters of Kayangan Lake and the mysterious depths of Barracuda Lake to the serene beauty of Green Lagoon, each destination offered a deeper appreciation of the Philippines’ natural wonders.

It was a celebration of connection with the land, the sea, and the communities who protect them. It’s proof that travel, when done with purpose, can leave an epic impact on both travelers and the places they visit.

The entire Lalakbayin team is grateful to Epic Tours for championing meaningful adventures that combine cultural immersion with environmental stewardship.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀: Epic Tours

16/08/2025

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁!

The members of Morningstar, a U.S.-based group, ventured on a two-week epic tour of the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines. This packed adventure was organized and led by Epic Tours.

The first five days of the Philippine tour were held in Palawan in collaboration with Lalakbayin Ecoventures. On the first day of the tour, the participants immersed themselves in the community of fisherfolk artisans from Decabobo, Coron, Palawan. They gained hands-on experience sewing upcycled plushies to support sustainable livelihoods, while sharing cultures and celebrating success stories together. After a meaningful cultural exchange with the Women Fisherfolk Leadership Corps, the group challenged themselves with a 720-step climb to the summit of Mt. Tapyas, where they rewarded their efforts with a soothing soak in Maquinit Hot Springs.

The members embraced and celebrated cultural diversity while empowering coastal communities and championing sustainable ocean practices. This serves as a reminder that travel can be a force for good, especially when it meets purpose.

The entire Lalakbayin team extends its heartfelt gratitude to Epic Tours for partnering with us on this inspiring journey of cultural exchange, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism in Palawan.

Here’s to making more waves—𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝘆.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀: Epic Tours

17/06/2025

We all know coral reefs provide habitat for fishes, but what do the fishes do for the reefs in return? 🐠🤔 Check out this infographic that showcases the interactions between reef ecosystems and healthy fish populations.

NOAA Fisheries Service

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/how-are-fisheries-and-coral-reefs-connected

12/06/2025

Happy Independence Day, seatizens! ✨
It’s been said that the Philippines is worth dying for, and we believe that it’s also worth diving for. 🐠

Our seas are part of our heritage and national identity. 🇵🇭 This gives us many reasons to conserve and protect our seas. 🐋🌏🐟

Browse to sea more of what makes the Philippines worth fighting for! ✨

12/06/2025

Happy 127th Independence Day, Philippines! 🇵🇭
Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.
Freedom. Future. History.

Today, we honor the courage of the Filipino people in shaping their history, building their future, and protecting their freedom.

As a founding member of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF), the Philippines continues to champion regional collaboration for a sustainable ocean, where freedom is not only a legacy of the past but a responsibility to the future.

Mabuhay ang Kalayaan. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

12/06/2025

08/06/2025

Happy World Oceans Day! 🌊

Today, we honor and give thanks to the ocean, our source of life, providing us with:

🐟 Food: Next to rice, Filipinos consume fish the most—1.5 times more than meat, and thrice as much as chicken. We are highly dependent on seafood as a protein source. [1]

💪 Livelihood and Income: Fisheries provides employment to over 2.29 million people. The country's fisheries exports in 2023 was valued at US$1.14 billion, with the top two being tuna and seaweed products. [2]

🪸 Tourism: Our beaches, islands, and diving spots drive our country's tourism which employed 6.21 million people and contributed 8.6% to our GDP in 2023. [3]

🌊 Coastal Protection: Mangroves protect a third of the Philippines’ coastline—more than 13,000 km lined by mangroves. [4]

💊 Medicine and marine biotechnology: The oceans yield life-saving medicines that cure cancer, combat viral diseases, and alleviate pain. Researchers have biobanked more than 11,000 samples from the Philippine seas that are potential sources of medicine and other high value products. [5]

⚡️ Energy: Untapped resources in the Philippines for marine renewable energy (MRE) from marine solar, wave, offshore wind, tidal current, and ocean thermal energy can potentially provide over 600 gigawatts of clean energy. [6]

A healthy ocean provides food, medicine, livelihood, economic growth, and protection from climate change impacts. Together, let us develop our Blue Economy and maximize the rich marine resources of the Philippines by caring for our seas that sustain us. 💙

—

Sources:

[1] In 2018-2019:https://enutrition.fnri.dost.gov.ph/uploads/2018-2019%20Facts%20and%20Figures%20-%20Food%20Consumption%20Survey.pdf

[2]https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf

[3] https://psa.gov.ph/content/tourism-posted-highest-growth-2023-contributing-86-percent-economy

[4] In 2020, based on remote sensing data and analysis by the Ocean Color and Coastal Oceanography Laboratory of UP MSI

[5] Marine Natural Products Legacy Collection of UP MSI; and https://www.marinepharmacology.org/approved

[6]https://www.energytransitionpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marine-Renewable-Energy-in-the-Philippines-Sustainable-Energy-from-Ocean-Spaces-and-Resources-2022.pdf

08/06/2025

08/06/2025

In celebration of World Ocean Day, we commemorate the success of the Ocean Summit held last June 7-8, 2024 in Coron, Palawan. This gathering brought together around 80 environmental leaders from various sectors including fisherfolk, indigenous leaders, government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and youth advocates, all united by a shared commitment to ocean and climate action. Guided by the theme "Collaboration in Conservation: Catalyzing Action for our Ocean and Climate," the summit served as a platform for dialogue, learning, and meaningful partnerships rooted in mutual respect and collective responsibility.

The summit was organized by Oceanus Conservation, in partnership with the Government of Canada through Canada Funds for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Sustainable Ocean Alliance Philippines and Lalakbayin Ecoventures. This was a significant culmination of Oceanus Conservation's Project PriCE: Prioritizing Conservation Efforts: Mapping biodiversity hotspots in Busuanga, Palawan. This crucial initiative focused on mapping biodiversity hotspots in Busuanga, aiming to enhance conservation strategies and foster sustainable practices in the region. From exchanging scientific research and local knowledge to developing Tagalog-translated educational materials, the summit uplifted the voices of communities most connected to and dependent on the sea.

Speakers and panelists emphasized the importance of trust, collaboration, and inclusivity in conservation work. Their stories highlighted the value of community ownership, cultural sensitivity, and long-term commitment in sustaining marine ecosystems. While World Ocean Day reminds us to celebrate and protect our ocean, the work does not stop here. Every day, we must strive to care for the ocean that gives us life. Let us foster collaborative leadership to promote conservation. Through cross-sector collaboration and grassroots action, we give everyone a seat at the table to defend our seas. Journey with us and together let’s protect what connects us all, the ocean. 🌊