February 15, 2023 – With a theme, “Community Ownership for Pangolin Conservation”, Palawan State University through the College of Sciences and the Guardians of Palawan Pangolin Guild (GPPG) hosted the World Pangolin Day at PSU Gymnasium last February 15, 2023. This is the second year celebration of the university, which was packed with a program of seminar series and a set of contests for the day.

The event was welcomed by Dr. Marjorie A. Española – Vice President for Research, Development and Extension. Dr. Ramon M. Docto – University President, then provided inspired insights for the activity, through his inspirational message. In his remarks, Dr. Docto emphasized the preservation and conservation of wildlife through education and research. The young minds and students should focus on knowing the nature and concepts of the wild life animals through researches that could create possible benefits to human and the environment, he said. “Small minds, talk about people; average minds talk about events; great minds, like you, talk about ideas”, the president added.

Meanwhile, two speakers for the seminar series, Ms. Aiza N. Arangurin – Species and Habitat Director Chief-Designate, PCSDS, and Dr. Sabine S. Schoppe –  Chair, Palawan Pangolin Conservation Program, discussed the nature and status of Palawan Pangolin and other wildlife animals in the province.

On the hand, the competitions that are open for bona fide students of the university include Charcoal Rendering Contest, Water Color Painting Contest, and Pitch Contest.

Alongside the celebration, the Guardians of Palawan Pangolin Guild (GPPG), a new university-wide organization, was launched. The new officers took their oath as Dr. Schoppe, their external advisor, administered the oath-taking ceremony, and was assisted by Dr. Docto. The following are the officers of GPPG, with Prof. Lea M. Camangeg and Prof. Abrila M. Langbao as their internal advisor:

President: Elijah Gabriel Base

Vice-President: Peter Paul Ondong

Secretary: Rajah Kleyese Delos Reyes

Treasurer: Arian Nicci Villena

Auditor: Sherelle Mae Buenaflor

PIO-Internal: Alciena Alpad

PIO-External: Angel Rose Durado Leslie Navarro

Business Managers: Via Reyes Ljenna Gargot

The university’s World Pangolin Day Celebration was celebrated in collaboration of PSU – College of Sciences (CS) Faculty and Staff and Student Government, Guardians of Palawan Pangolin Guild (GPPG), Katala Foundation Incorporated (KFI), and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).