PANABO CITY— The local government unit of the Island Garden City of Samal prepared month-long activities for its 25th Founding Anniversary this March with the theme; Isla nga Bulahan sa Kaanyag, Padayon sa Pag-uswag. One of the activities was the Pasidungog Pasalamat 2023 which was held at Bridgeport, Brgy. Caliclic, Babak District, IGaCoS on March 3, 2023.

During the event, Davao del Norte State College received a partnership award and was recognized for its longtime and purposeful collaborations with the local government, especially on marine and giant clam conservation. The award was received by Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, College President.

The city legislative body also passed Resolution No. 401, dated November 3, 2022, commending DNSC, represented by Dr. Gumanao as project lead on giant clam conservation and Taklobo Tours, for bringing pride and honor to Samaleños after playing an important role in the city’s First Runner-up win in the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines’ Best Practices in Responsible Tourism under Community-based Tourism Enterprise. The national-level recognition was a testament to the strong ties that the college has safeguarded and valued throughout the years, since the establishment of the DNSC-managed Marine Reserve Park in IGaCoS.