Liloan, Southern Leyte—LGU representatives from the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) continued strengthening their marine conservation and MPA management strategies on May 13, 2026, during the second day of the strategic planning workshop organized by Oceana through Partnerships for the Philippine National Marine 30×30 Target Project.
Participants revisited their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analyses to further refine management strategies for their respective marine protected areas (MPAs). With these, participating LGUs drafted their vision, mission, and goals and objectives, highlighting a shared commitment to sustainable marine and coastal ecosystem management.
The drafted frameworks emphasized biodiversity conservation, responsible resource use, community participation, strong governance, and livelihood development to help ensure ecological resilience for present and future generations.
The participating LGUs developed action plans focused on strengthening marine and coastal resource management through capacity-building, law enforcement, community participation, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Key strategies included conducting training and awareness campaigns, promoting responsible fishing and sustainable tourism practices, enhancing patrol and enforcement monitoring operations, enforcing fisheries ordinances, and protecting endangered species and spawning areas.
The plans also emphasized partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders for funding and technical assistance, alongside greater community engagement through IEC campaigns, consultations, clean-up drives, and educational activities. Proposed initiatives included regular patrolling, biophysical assessments, stakeholder workshops, procurement of enforcement equipment, and community-led conservation efforts.
By Genea Rupert Claire (GRC)
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Photos| GRC, Jethro Carlo Quijano, Sheila Albasin
