Liloan, Southern Leyte—The Partnerships for the Philippine National Marine 30×30 Target Project, implemented by MSN consortium members composed of MERF, CI, Rare, Oceana, and WWF-Philippines, conducted a three-day MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) and Management Plan Workshop for the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) at the Leyte South Multi-Purpose Cooperative on May 12–14, 2026.
Project Manager Sheila Albasin and Technical Assistant Jethro Carlo Quijano facilitated the MPA MEAT orientation and scoring sessions to identify management gaps and areas for improvement within the seascape’s marine protected areas (MPAs).
Meanwhile, Oceana Campaign Manager Diovanie “Diuvs” de Jesus and Grassroots Coordinator Mario Gasalatan, assisted by Research Assistant Pauline Gabrielle Fernandez, led the orientation on MPA management planning to help ensure that the plans they craft will be aligned with the Protected Area Management Plan of PIPS.
The activity was attended by representatives from the municipalities of Liloan, Pintuyan, and San Francisco, as well as delegates from the DENR CENRO-San Juan.
The participants conducted situational analyses to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting their respective MPAs. Among the most common challenges identified were weak law enforcement due to the need for Bantay Dagat deputization, limited financial resources, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities for communities, and persistent illegal fishing activities.
Despite these challenges, participants highlighted several strengths, including approved MPA ordinances and organized or strengthened people’s organizations.
Opportunities for eco-tourism development, joint research initiatives, and collaborative monitoring and evaluation activities were also identified, reflecting the stakeholders’ continuing commitment to improving marine conservation efforts in the area.
By Genea Rupert Claire (GRC)
Photos| GRC, Jethro Carlo Quijano, Sheila Albasin
