DOrSU showcases eco-engineered artificial coral reefs at 17th NatCon
Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) is bringing its coral restoration work to the national stage as it showcases eco-engineered artificial coral reefs at the 17th Regional Development Councils–Private Sector Representatives National Convention (NatCon), being held from March 11 to 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
Displayed at the convention are clay artificial coral reefs produced at the University’s Artificial Coral Reef Production Facility, which was established through DOrSU’s partnership with rrreefs, a Switzerland-based socio-ecological impact organization.
The 17th NatCon brings together Regional Development Council private sector representatives, government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders from across the country to discuss strategies and collaborative approaches to regional development. Anchored on the theme, “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Regional Development through a Strong Public-Private Sector Collaboration,” the gathering serves as a venue for presenting initiatives that respond to development challenges through innovation and partnership.
Leading the exhibit are Amy G. Ponce, Director of the Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center XI, together with researchers Lorjie B. Bation, Ross Vincent S. Loguinsa, and Rheacin A. Polestico, all of whom are part of the coral regeneration project. The team prepared the exhibit and is representing DOrSU throughout the convention, sharing the University’s work and engaging fellow delegates on the importance of reef restoration in advancing sustainability and resilience.
The reef restoration initiative grew out of the collaboration between DOrSU and rrreefs, which led to the establishment of the Artificial Coral Reef Production Facility on campus. Through this partnership, the university has further advanced its work in coral reed regeneration and marine habitat recovery, while strengthening its role in coastal and marine research in the region.
Through its participation in the NatCon, DOrSU places marine rehabilitation within the broader conversation on sustainable regional development. The exhibit also reflects the University’s continuing work to develop practical, science-based interventions that support environmental protection and coastal resilience while contributing to the convention’s goal of promoting innovation and collaboration in regional development.
