This review synthesizes four decades (1980–2024) of marine oil spill research in the Philippines, analyzing 80 peer-reviewed publications sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, Clarivate, and Google Scholar. Findings show that oil spill research activity spikes after major spills, particularly the 2006 Guimaras incident, which accounts for over half of the reviewed studies and were mostly concentrated in the field of biology, followed by social sciences. Mangroves are the most studied as they are the widely affected ecosystem in the Philippines. Despite the number of published articles on oil spills in the Philippines, only the major events were emphasized, and small-scale spills remain under documented. Research on small-scale oil spills and the country’s two recent big oil spills (Mindoro Oil Spill and Manila Bay Oil Spill), particularly in a country’s environmentally sensitive areas, must be conducted in collaboration with academic institutions and relevant stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding and formulate appropriate countermeasures in the event of future spills. The review also highlights limited application of advanced techniques such as hydrocarbon fingerprinting, geospatial analysis, and next-generation DNA sequencing, limiting comprehensive assessments of oil fate and ecological effects. Addressing these gaps through interdisciplinary collaboration is critical to improving oil spill response, environmental management, and policy formulation in the Philippines’ complex archipelagic setting.

Hemiplecta mindanaensis is a terrestrial gastropod species endemic to the Philippines, playing an important role in forest ecosystem functions such as nutrient recycling and soil formation, while serving as a bioindicator of pollution. Despite its ecological significance, it remains understudied. Increasing habitat disturbance and overharvesting, often driven by a lack of ecological knowledge and awareness,pose threats to its survival. Limited information exists on how local communities view and interact with this species, which is crucial for developing community-based conservation strategies. To address these gaps, this study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of local residents towards H. mindanaensis within the Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. Utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive design, the research employs a KAP framework to assess community interactions with this ecologically significant species. A total of 296 respondents participated in semi-structured interviews, revealing a general awareness of H. mindanaensis but significant gaps in conservation practices. Socio-demographic factors, including educational attainment, income, and occupation (p < 0.001), were found to influence KAP responses, indicating that individuals with higher education and stable employment are more likely to engage in conservation activities. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies that institutionalize biodiversity education, integrate local knowledge into protected area management plans, and strengthen regulations against unsustainable harvesting. By fostering community engagement and collaboration between local government units and conservation advocates, this study aims to inform effective conservation strategies that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 15, and 17. Addressing the identified knowledge gaps can significantly contribute to the preservation of H. mindanaensis in the Naga-Kabasalan Protected Landscape. Embedding such measures within local government initiatives and national biodiversity frameworks can ensure long-term protection of H. mindanaensis while supporting broader conservation and sustainable development priorities.