The establishment of the Biodiversity Research Center (BRC) at Visayas State University aims to provide comprehensive support for understanding, valuing, and conserving the endemic and endangered plants and animals found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. The center features state-of-the-art facilities, a botanical garden, and an agrobiodiversity home garden, emphasizing research and extensive environmental education focused on biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration.
The center’s research agenda aligns with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Executive Order (EO) 578, where it plays a crucial role in implementing the objectives of these international and national policies. For instance, EO 578 serves as a national policy on biodiversity, directing all relevant government agencies, offices, and local government units (LGUs) to integrate and mainstream the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity into their policies, regulations, programs, and development planning processes.
The Biodiversity Research Center is more than just a physical institution; it is a collaborative effort that brings together member institutions of PASUC VIII and other higher education institutions. Together, we seek and provide solutions to the challenges posed by biodiversity loss resulting from climate change and human activities. With this, the BRC is aiming to implement plans and programs, including policies and advocacy initiatives for biodiversity conservation, and promote education and appreciation of the Mt. Pangasugan mountain range—all stemming from our collective efforts and shared vision.
The BRC’s future direction focuses on strengthening biodiversity assessment by expanding the generation of baseline data and ecosystem health information to support informed decision-making and conservation efforts. It will also scale up capacity development by building sustained learning pathways for youth, communities, farmers, and institutions. In addition, the BRC will develop demonstration and learning hubs to advance ABLES as a platform for applied biodiversity conservation and climate-smart approaches. Finally, the BRC will deepen strategic partnerships by moving beyond activity-based engagements toward sustained, collaborative programs that foster long-term impact and shared learning.
