Under the Surface: A Weekend of Coral Conservation with Madkahuna and Mermaids PH

The sea has always had a way of bringing people together, not just for adventure, but for purpose. On February 7–8, 2026, the shores of Mabini, Batangas became the meeting point for ocean lovers, conservation advocates, and divers who all shared the same goal: giving the reefs a chance to thrive again. The Mermaids PH and Madkahuna joined forces to host the Mermaids Ph x Madkahuna for the Ocean Coral Propagation Workshop, an event dedicated to learning, collaboration, and meaningful action for marine conservation. 

At the center of the workshop was  Krick of Madkahuna, who led participants through the science and practice of coral propagation. But the workshop never felt like a rigid classroom. Instead, it unfolded like a shared experience, a mix of storytelling, hands-on learning, and the quiet excitement of people realizing they could personally contribute to protecting the ocean.

With Krick guiding the sessions, the group explored both the theory and the technique behind this restoration work. She was joined by a dedicated team who helped bring the workshop to life: Francis Salansang, Mary Beth Almeda, and Mermaid Instructor Amarie Tolentino, each contributing their expertise and passion for ocean conservation.

What made the workshop special wasn’t just the knowledge shared, it was the atmosphere. Conversations flowed easily between dives, tools were passed around as participants learned the delicate process of coral attachment, and every successful coral fragment placed felt like a small victory for the ocean.

The experience planted a deeper awareness to the participants, that ocean conservation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing commitment.

That commitment is exactly what continues with Madkahuna’s upcoming Coral Rescue and Propagation Activity, which will be held at the Bauan Divers Sanctuary Resort. The activity is open to both freed divers and scuba divers who have previously attended a coral propagation workshop, giving them the opportunity to apply what they learned in real restoration work.

Scheduled on March 28 and April 12, the upcoming activity reflects a natural continuation of the mission that began in Mabini: empowering divers and ocean advocates to actively participate in reef rehabilitation. Instead of coral propagation remaining a concept learned in training, participants are invited to become part of the ongoing effort to rescue and restore coral colonies.

This progression, from learning to action, is what makes initiatives like those led by Madkahuna meaningful. Workshops create awareness and skills, but activities like the Coral Rescue and Propagation dives transform that knowledge into tangible environmental impact.

The ocean’s recovery is a long journey. Yet with communities, divers, and organizations working together, every small action beneath the water becomes a quiet promise that the reefs of Batangas will continue to grow, flourish, and support life for generations to come.