University of Antique through Dr. May T. Delgado, Vice-president for Administration and Finance, accepted the Dulungan Lupad: Educating and Advocating for a Dulungan-Friendly Barangay Project and Policy which was turned-over by Team Dulungan Lupad from the West Visayas State University- College of Communication (WVSU-COC) during the project launching at Barangay Flores, Culasi, Antique, last June 7, 2025.

The Dulungan, or Rufous-headed Hornbill, is Antique’s provincial bird also known as the “farmer of the forest” due to the crucial role it plays in the forest’s growth—seeds disperse from its beak and fall to the earth and grow into trees. It is found in the mountains of Panay and Negros and is currently classified as endangered.

With the turn-over of the Dulungan Lupad project, the academe will continue to advocate for a Dulungan-friendly community through engaging with parents, teachers, and leaders, and educating the children in Antique, particularly those aged 6-8.

The social marketing project is a brainchild of Team Dulungan Lupad, composed of students from Master in Development Communication, WVSU: Christopher Perile, Jennelyn Omadio, Jethro Aranas, Margaret Llorico, Melmar dela Cruz, RJ Kirtley, Saredith C. Sola, Cherry Dorado, and Reyn Palencia II, who are under the guidance of Dr. Kyng Becodo.

Mr. Milky John Quillo from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) was also present during the program together with UA-CTE student representatives, Barangay Flores Officials headed by Brgy. Captain Felix Bernardo, teachers from Flores Integrated school, and parents of the participants.