The Ateneo de Naga University- Ateneo Social Science Research Center successfully conducted the Ecotourism and Wildlife Watching Seminar on 28-29 September 2016 at Barangay Ponong, Magarao, Camarines Sur.

The two-day activity was attended by the officers and members of the Magarao Tourist Guide Association headed by Barangay Kagawad David Mark Manzanares. It aimed to enrich their knowledge on environmental protection, ecotourism, and wildlife watching. It also aimed to enable the barangay to develop plans, policies, and local ordinances on estuary protection and tourism management.

During the first day, topics on the Profile of Barangay Ponong, Basic Ecological Principles, Ecotourism Principles, National and Local Environmental Laws, Wildlife Watching Ethics, and Ecotourism Ordinance and Action Planning were discussed. The participants were also engaged in games and action planning workshops such as Promotional Leaflet Poster Making and Road Mapping.

The last day started with the Ecotour Guiding Practicum wherein the director and staff of the Ateneo Social Science Research Center acting as tourists and guided by the Magarao Tourist Guide Association members cruised around Doncilla Island. The practicum was followed by a short debriefing and ended with the graduation program graced by the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) of the Local Government Unit of Magarao, Mr. Rico Albia.
The activity was made possible through a grant from the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE).