On December 3, 2016, St. Michael’s College of Iligan, Inc. (SMCII), through the Mother Ignacia Center for Social Responsibility (MICSR), in collaboration with the College of Nursing (CON), Basic Education Department (BED), and College of Commerce (COC), conducted a Mangrove Rehabilitation and Coastal Clean-up activity at Purok 6, Barangay Santiago, during Academic Year 2016–2017.

The activity aimed to promote environmental stewardship, ecological awareness, and community participation by engaging students, faculty, and partners in the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems. Through mangrove planting and coastal clean-up efforts, participants contributed to safeguarding marine biodiversity, reducing coastal pollution, and strengthening natural barriers against erosion and climate-related risks.

Beyond environmental action, the activity served as a platform for experiential learning and inter-departmental collaboration, reinforcing the role of higher education institutions in addressing environmental challenges. The participation of multiple academic units highlighted SMCII’s integrated approach to community engagement, where environmental responsibility is shared across disciplines and aligned with institutional values.

This initiative reflects SMCII’s commitment to faith, excellence, and service, encouraging environmental care as a moral and social responsibility. It also strengthened partnerships with the local community, fostering collective ownership in protecting natural resources for present and future generations.

Through this environmental initiative, SMCII reaffirmed its role as a steward of creation, demonstrating that sustainable development is achieved when education, community action, and environmental care come together in purposeful service.