Catbalogan, Samar
2nd FLORA Award Winners
Dr. Marife Matic Mustacisa-Lacaba is a dedicated environmental educator and respected community leader. She has successfully led the sustainable development of Cyathea contaminans (Philippine tree ferns) in Paranas, Samar. Marife has empowered the youth in Daram through innovative approaches, including the Blue Ocean Strategy and “solution trees.”
Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL)
Her Futures Thinking lectures have inspired audiences both nationally and internationally, with notable engagement at Malaysia’s eBizStart. As a published author and researcher, her academic contributions are recognized and utilized in universities and libraries throughout the Philippines, with several of her studies indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. In her role as center director, she drives initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and strategic community development.
Under her leadership, the Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL) has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting youth in rural farming and
fishing communities. This program provides access to scientific knowledge, planning tools, and entrepreneurial skills, addressing gaps in education and job preparedness.
The initiative has five main goals:
- Increase youth engagement in science-based agriculture and sustainability.
- Enhance problem-solving skills through tools like the Blue Ocean Framework.
- Integrate Futures Thinking into educational programs.
- Broaden access to research and resources.
- Train youth in precision farming, specifically focusing on Cyathea contaminans (Philippine tree ferns).
This initiative promotes innovative environmental stewardship and empowers youth to make informed decisions.
The project prepares young people to tackle economic challenges through training sessions, strategic meetings, and knowledge-sharing activities both nationally and internationally. It also includes learning modules on Research Writing and Environmental Science for schools and community organizations that support marginalized youth, ensuring a lasting impact.
Filipina Achievers in Rural Education Award (FLORA) 