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LGU-NGO-PO Partnership on Community-Based Coastal Resources Management: The Case of Panukulan, Quezon |
by Ronnie Co |
Abstract
Ang lumalalang kalagayan ng mga mangingisda sa ating bansa ang nag-udyok sa Institute of Social Order na maglunsad ng Community-based Coastal Resources Management (CBCRM) Program. Dito nabigyang-buhay ang Quezon Integrated Rural Development Project (QIRDP). Layunin ng proyekto ang likas-kayang paggamit, pangangalaga at pagkalinga sa mga yamang-dagat sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga People's Organizations (POs) at ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Panukulan, Quezon.
Layunin ng isinagawang pag-aaral na suriin ang ugnayan ng mga may taya sa proyektong ito - ang ISO, ang POs, at ang lokal na pamahalaan. Isinasaad ng pag-aaral ang kaibahan ng ugnayang nabuo sa pagitan ng ISO at POs at ng ISO at LGU ng Panukulan.
Ginagamit ng manunulat ang katagang "partnership" bilang "collective sharing of vision, goals, and human, financial, and technical resources" sa pagitan ng mga may taya sa nasabing proyekto.
Ang "partnership" ay nangangahulugan ng aktibo at malawak na pakikilahok ng LGU-ISO-POs sa larangan ng pagdedesisyon sa iba't-ibang yugto ng QIRD Project - conceptualization, design, pre-implementation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Ang pakikilahok ng LGU-ISO-POs sa paghubog ng proyekto ay nagsasaad na nakarating sila sa isang kasunduan kung ano ang problema ng Panukulan, ano ang nais nilang tahakin, ano ang misyon, layunin, at ano ang mga istratehiya na lalamanin ng bubuuing proyekto.
Ibig sabihin nito, bahagi ang LGU-ISO-POs sa pagdedesisyon ukol sa proyekto - sa pagtatalaga ng direksyon ng QIRD Project. Dahil dito, inaasahang naitayo ang mga pormal na proseso at mekanismo para pag-usapan ang mga problema at maaring gawin sa gitna ng pagpapatupad ng proyekto. Dagdag dito, inaasahang napagkasunduan ng LGU-ISO-POs ang kani-kanilang papel at mga tungkulin sa buong daloy ng proyekto. Ang lahat ng mga binanggit na kaakibat ng konsepto ng "partnership" ay maaring naisagawa sa alin mang yugto ng project cycle.
Sa ganitong pananaw, lumalabas sa pagsusuri na ang ISO at POs ay nakapaghubog ng ugnayang "partnership" habang ang ugnayan ng LGU sa dalawa ay itinuturing na suporta, pakikilahok, o kooperasyon lamang ang naging bahagi nito sa unang yugto (first phase) ng proyekto.
Isinasaad din ng manunulat ang ilang rekomendasyon para ang ugnayang nabuo sa pagitan ng LGU at ng ISO-POs ay maiangat sa antas ng "partnership" sa pagsimula ng ikalawang yugto (second phase) ng proyekto.
Ang pag-aaral na ito ay nakatuon lamang sa mga karanasan, problema/isyus, at mga mungkahing may kinalaman sa pagtatasa ng ugnayan ng LGU-ISO-POs, at hindi ng pagtatasa ng buong QIRD Project.
Ang pag-aaral ay gumamit ng mga sumusunod na pamamaraan: review of related literature and secondary data, e.g. project proposal, reports, baseline study, resource assessment, government files, at interviews sa mga key local government officials ng Panukulan, PO leaders at project staff ng ISO.
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Sustainable Community-Based Upland Development Program
Implications of the Government-ISO-PO Cooperation in Land Distribution |
by Belyn Rafael |
Abstract
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 brought considerable damage to millions of properties and displaced thousands of residents in Region III. While Pampanga, Tarlac and other nearby provinces suffered the devastation brought by lahar flow and ashfalls, Zambales, which was then already an impoverished area suffered greater disaster.
The adversity of the situation prompted the Institute of Social Order to respond to the needs of the victims. Initially, the Community-Based Upland Development Program came about as the Institute's effort in the provision of Farmers Assistance Program to the community members of Balincaguing, one of the remotest barangays of San Felipe, Zambales.
Barangay Balincaguing is an off-site resettlement area of 129 households (1996) and a population of 555. Out of the 129 households 75 households were awarded the Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) under the Integrated Social Forestry (ISF). The development of these areas is expected to reduce the deforested area of more than 300-hectare and reduce the adversity of environmental problems arising from denudation of forest cover such as flooding, scarcity of freshwater supply and climatic change.
Thereafter, the Balincaguing Upland Farmers' Association (BUFA) was formed. Assistance in organizing, capability building and livelihood development were provided for by the Institute.
However, among the problems encountered in the implementation of this program is the partnership with the Local Government Unit. The partnership between ISO, its partner People's Organizations and local government units is beset with multi-layered problems of perception, political orientations, organizational maturity and coordination. Nonetheless, the ISO partnership with line agencies such as the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office yielded substantial outputs which were significant in the promotion of environmental management among the local stakeholders. Similarly, working relationship with the DENR Provincial Office is among the strengths of SCUDP tripartite partnership. In the same manner, although not part of local government, the responsiveness on DAR on issues pertaining of CLOAs is worth mentioning. This case study is an attempt to locate the sources of partnership problems between and among the ISO-assisted POs, the program implementers and the Local Government Officials in order to overcome relational problems that consequently hamper the process of program implementation.
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Tri-partism: Prospects and Dilemmas
A Case Study on the Balayan Fisherfolks Project |
by Belyn Rafael |
Abstract
Negros Occidental accounts for 225,000 - 250,000 metric tons of fishcatch a year. Roughly 34% of the total fishcatch are accounted for by municipal fishing, including the town of Cauayan.
Named after the bamboo's local name, kawayan, the Municipality of Cauayan is 113 kilometers away from the provincial capital of Bacolod City and bounded in the north by the Municipality of Ilog, to the northeast by the Municipality of Sipalay , in the south by Sulu Sea and in the west by Panay Gulf. Cauayan belongs to the geographic economic zone or CHICKS area composed of the towns of Cauayan, Himamaylan, Candoni, Kabankalan and Sipalay, an area known for its radical stand both in political and economic issues during the Marcos Regime.
It is composed of 25 barangays, 13 of which are coastal barangays while 12 are inland barangays. About 16 - 20% of the 54, 326 labor force are full time fisherfolks (about 20,000-22,000 individuals) while 35 - 40% of these are farmer-fisherfolks. Due to Cauayan's extensive coastline of about 52 kilometers, which is the longest in Negros Occidental, the issues on marine resource protection and surveillance of fishing activities are of central importance to those who rely on fishing as their primary source of livelihood.
Cauayan is also reputed to be the second largest fishing ground in the province (Cadiz City, being the first) and to contribute to an aggregate value of P45,975,000 or P3,831,250 a month. Ironically, poverty remains a central problem particularly among fisherfolks. A study conducted by the Balayan Community Development and Volunteer Formation Office in 1996 showed that Cauayan subsistence fisherfolks earn a daily income of P30-40 a day in contrast to an average household expense of P100, making them one of the poorest in the country. This is based on a P4,400 poverty threshold pegged by the National Economic Development Authority (1994).
Primary culprit in the fast declining marine resources in the area is the rampant use of illegal fishing methods, causing considerable damage to coral reef and other marine ecosystems, thus, in turn, causes the fast decline in fish catch. Aside from this, siltation, erosion, mine tailings, waste pollution and sugar centrals' pollution remain to be immense problems in coral reef degradation.
In response to this problem, community organizing for marine resource protection is the primary objective of 11 People's Organizations federated under KASAMAKA (Katilingban Sang Mag-Agmay na Mangingisda sa Cauayan) and assisted by the Balayan Community Development and Volunteer Formation Office. While KASAMAKA is committed to pursue its objectives in marine resource protection, necessary assistance from the Local Government Unit must be provided to efficiently protect and manage their resources. This includes the provision of financial and technical assistance in the operations of the MFARMC as well as the continued review of local policies in accordance to the national policies.
Prospects of tri-partism in Cauayan in marine resource protection remains a central agenda under incumbent Mayor Jerry Tabujara as exemplified in his Executive Agenda. This case study traces the painstaking efforts of KASAMAKA in forging effective linkages with the LGU in order to protect the interests of the marginalized fisherfolks in Cauayan.
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Fisheries Development and Management Programme in Zambales (FDMP-Zambales) Through the Strengthening of the Provincial Fisherfolk Federation, PARASAMAZA |
by Joy Bacal & Dick Balderrama |
Abstract
Ang Fisheries Development and Management Program bilang modelo ng SIKAT ay kasalukuyang iniimplementa sa bayan ng Candelaria, Zambales. Bukod sa PARASAMAZA - isang pamprobinsiyang pedersasyon na kasalukuyang pinalalakas at pinalalawig, sa Candelaria naman nakakonsentra ang lalong pagpapaunlad ng programa para sa mga mangingisda tungo sa mas mahusay na pamamahala ng yamang-katubigan.
Ang Candelaria ang ikalawa sa panghuling munisipyo ng Zambales sa hilaga. Ito ay may 16 na barangay, 8 dito ay baybayin. Ito ang pinili ng SIKAT sapagkat: 1) Napakaliit ng tulong mula sa labas gayundin mula sa pamahalaan ang ipinaaabot sa mga komunidad sa tabing-dagat., 2) May mga bahurang maari pang mapagyaman, 3) Nagsisilbi itong tulay sa mga programang CBCRM o mga santuwaryong matatagpuan sa rehiyon upang makapagsagawa ng pag-aaral, 4) Makakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng PARASAMAZA sa bilang pamprobinsiyang pederasyon sa gawing hilaga.
MGA GAWAIN SA PAGPAPAUNLAD NG KOMUNIDAD-PANGISDAAN
Dalawang barangay ang sinimulang organisahin:Ang SMB sa Brgy. Uacon at SFA sa Brgy. Sinabakan. Ang mga barangay na ito ang may pinakamaraming populasyon ng mangingisda sa bayan. Ang SFA ay matagal nang di-aktibo at kinailangang buhayin samantalang sa Uacon naman ay panibagong samahan ang binuo.
Ilan sa mga naging gawain sa bayan ng Candelaria ay :
· Pag-oorganisa , pagpapatatag ng samahan, pagsasanay,
· Pagbabagong-Pansarili ( Value-Formation )
· Suporta para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kabuhayan
· Pagpapataas ng kamulatan sa Kalikasan at Pangangalaga ng Yamang-Dagat,
· Participatory Coastal Resource Assessment, Community-based Coastal Resource Management Planning
· Pagtugon sa mga Isyu sa Komunidad at Adbokasiya
· Pagpapalawak ng gawain at saklaw na barangay ( Expansion work )
· Pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba't ibang tao, grupo o ahensiya (Networking and Linkaging )
· Pagtugon sa pangangailangang pangkalusugan at kalamidad
Malaki ang hamon sa programa ng SIKAT upang lalo itong paunlarin at tumugon sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon sa lugar. Ilan dito ang pagtugon sa Pagpapahalaga at Pananaw ng Komunidad ( Community Values and Perception ), Gawain sa Pantauhin ( Gender Work ) at Ugnayan ng komunidad, NGO at lokal na pamahalaan ( Tripartite Partnership )
INSTITUSYONALISASYON NG UGNAYAN ( PARTNERSHIP )
May mga gawaing magkapareho ang iba't ibang ahensiya ng LGU at ang NGO sa larangan ng pag-oorganisa, pagpapaunlad ng kabuhayan, suporta sa panlipunang serbisyo, pananaliksik at pamamahala ng kalikasan.
Samantala, ang programang FDMP ay ininstitusyonalisa sa porma ng sumusunod:
· FARMC - kung saan ang SIKAT ay napiling representate ng NGO
· Candelaria Fisheries Development and Management Program-Technical Working Group - kinabibilangan ng MAO, Prov. Agriculture Office,PNP-Candelaria, SB, SIKAT, FARMC, lider-mangingisda
· Pagsasanay at mga gawain para sa kapaligiran na dinadaluhan ng ilang opisyal ng LGU ( MAO, SB-Agriculture,PNP, FARMC )
Ang mga gawaing sinuportahan ng lokal na pamahalaan ay sa larangan ng :
· Suportang legal - pagbibigay ng kaniyang mandato sa pagsasagawa ng mga gawain ( Int'l Coastal Clean-up, Coastal Resource Assessment/Monitoring, Pagbubuo ng CFDMP-TWG)
· Suportang Teknikal- pagbibigay ng pagsasanay ng DA sa kooperatiba
· Suportang pinansiyal
· Akreditasyon para sa SIKAT
· Suporta sa Pananaliksik ng SIKAT at mga pag-aaral
SULIRANIN SA UGNAYAN
· Magkaibang Pananaw at maling impormasyon ng bawat isa
· Magkaibang Struktura
· Mga Limitasyon ( pinansiyal, kaalaman, kasiguruhan ng patuloy na pagpapatupad ng programa, sitawsyong politikal)
LALONG PAGPAPATATAG NG UGNAYAN
· Bukas na komunikasyon
· Pagsasama sa pagpaplano ,implementasyon ng programa hanggang pagtatasa
· Pagbibigay edukasyon at Pagpapataas ng kakayahan ng mga kasangkot sa programa bilang magkaparehong layunin o istratehiya
Case 2.
Ang Pampangisdaang Reporma Adhikain ng mga Samahang Mangingisda ng Zambales (PARASAMAZA) ay naitayo sa pagsisikap ng mga lider-mangingisda ng Zambales na mabigkis ang kanilang mga pagkilos at pagsisikap na matugunan ang mga suliranin ng komunidad at sektor nila.
Ang NGO, Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT), ay sumuporta sa pagbubuo at pagrerehistro ng PARASAMAZA at siyang tumatayong kalihiman ng pederasyon. Tumutulong din ang SIKAT sa mga pagsasanay para sa mga lider-mangingisda, at sa mga gawain ng pederasyon para sa pagpapalakas ng kasaping samahan at pangangalaga ng yamang-dagat.
Sa pagtutulungan ng PARASAMAZA at SIKAT, nabalangkas ang FDMP-Zambales na may layuning palakasin ang mga kasaping-samahan at ang pagkakaisa sa pederasyon sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan sa pangangasiwa ng yamang-dagat, sa pagtugon sa mga isyu, at sa pagpapaunlad ng kabuhayan para sa pag-angat ng buhay ng mga mangingisda, lalaki at babae. May limang komite ang PARASAMAZA para sa mga gawain: 1) Membership and Education, 2) Livelihood, 3) Issue Advocacy, 4) Resource Management, at 5) Gender.
Sa pagsulong ng layunin at mga gawain ng pederasyon, ang PARASAMAZA ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa iba't ibang sangay at ahensya ng pamahalaan sa lebel ng bayan (MAO, SB, MAFC, MFARMC, Banaty-Dagat), lalawigan (PAO, PAFC, CDA, PDC, DENR-CEP, SP, Cong. Torres, atbp), rehiyon (DA-BFAR, RAFC, atbp) at nasyonal (NAPC-Kalahi, OPASC, DA-BFAR). Kasama sa suportang nakuha/ nakukuha ay:
1) suportang legal (akreditasyon at pakikilahok sa mga konseho);
2) pagkonsulta sa ilang mga gawain at isyung kaugnay ng pangisdaan;
3) suportang teknikal (pagsasanay at pagkonsulta sa proyekto);
4) pagkuha at bahaginan ng mga datos;
5) suportang pinansiyal sa ilang gawain (PDC training, kongreso, kabuhayan);
6) pakikilahok sa pagbuo at pagpapatupad ng batas (FARMC, Banaty-Dagat); at
7) pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba pang mga ahensyang publiko at pribado na maaaring tumulong sa mga samahang mangingisda.
Ilang problema sa pagbubuo ng matatag at maunlad na partnership ng PO-NGO-LGU ay:
1) pagkaiba ng pananaw at paniniwala;
2) mga limitasyon sa pinansyal at kakayahan; at
3) pagkakaiba ng prayoridad, pamamaraan at patakaran.
Ilan sa mga maaaring magawa para mapalakas ang partnership ng PO-NGO-LGU ay:
1) regular na pag-uusap at pagbabahaginan ng programa at gawain;
2) pagpapalakas ng pagtutulungan sa mga kasalukuyang programa at gawain;
3) pagkakaisa sa kapakanan ng mga maliliit na mangingisda at kanilang samahan; at
4) pagpapalakas ng kultura ng dayalogo at kooperasyon na nakabatay sa pag-uunawaan at paggalang sa isa't isa.
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A Case Study Documentation on the NGO-PO-LGU Partnership in Community Based Coastal Resource Management |
by Dodgie Quitangon |
Abstract
Camarines Norte is home to some of the richest fishing grounds in the country producing almost 23,343 metric tons of fishcatch for the entire country in 1999. Almost 67.6% of this is produced by municipal fishers. Municipal fisherfolks are in competition with the commercial fisherfolks who use more modern gear to catch a large amount of fish. Some of them are also unable to market these fishes well and therefore they do not earn. Because of the inability to generate a substantial amount of income some of them turn to using harmful methods of catching fish. This destroys the environment and reduces their fish catch and this feeds a vicious cycle that further marginalizes them. This situation is especially true in the Camarines Norte where fishing is one of the primary sources of livelihood.
To address the problems of environmental degradation caused by harmful resource utilization practices. The Institute of Social Order is implementing a Community-Based Coastal Resource Management (CB-CRM) Program through its Camarines Norte Institution Building Project. Through this, the Institute was able to assist in the empowerment of the fisher folk community in Mercedes, Camarines Norte. The Institute also facilitated the formation of the Inter-Island Management Council (IIMC) which is a people's organization dedicated to allowing the community members to sustainably utilize and manage their own natural resources.
Empowerment of the community involves networking as well as organizing. The institute has therefore pressed for a partnership among the key stakeholders of the municipality's natural resources, namely the local government and the community as represented by the local PO.
The organizing of the fisherfolks into a People's Organization (PO) such as the IIMC is a first step to empowering the fisherfolk community. Through the IIMC, the program is able to ensure the sustainability of its objectives of sustainable resources use. The IIMC serves to draw in like minded individuals to
The LGU always plays an important role in any social development activity. They are the ones who are responsible in ensuring that the welfare of the citizens are protected through the enactment of appropriate policies. Although the interests of the LGU and the people may sometimes be in conflict this principle is remains true. Not only that but the LGU has the resources to sustain the implementation of any program but they are legally mandated by the state to do so.
This papers studies the NGO-PO-LGU partnership in the implementation of a community-based coastal resource management (CB-CRM) program. It describes the experiences and different processes involved in forging of partnership and the problems encountered specifically in the provision of micro-credit projects by the local government unit.
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Mangroves in Peril:
Mangrove Utilization in Panukulan Quezon |
A Study for CB-CRM Resource Center |
Abstract
This study intends to track the extent by which mangrove areas have been degraded during the last five to ten years in the Municipality of Panukulan, in Quezon Province. It aims to generate data that can prove this, for purposes of planning for appropriate interventions to address the issue of mangrove deforestation in the municipality. The study also intends to highlight how the mangrove utilization patterns of the community brought about the current state of the said ecosystem in the area and how seriously the degradation of mangrove forest impacts on the economic well-being of the communities that depend on it.
The study identified three sites corresponding to the coastal barangays of the municipality, namely: (1) Barangay Pag-itan; (2) Barangay Kinalagti; and (3) Barangay Libo. The study combines the technical (scientific) study of the mangrove ecosystem and ethnographic (sociological) study of mangrove utilization of the local communities.
Results of the study revealed a direct link between the present state of the mangrove ecosystem and human consumption and productive activities. The mangrove assessment aspect of the study associates high productivity with the physical and biological characteristics of the environment. Site 1, being the farthest from human settlements and "relatively undisturbed", has retained its relatively good mangrove condition. Site 3, being closest to communities, was found to be the most degraded. The poor state of mangroves in Site 3 can be attributed to pollution due to domestic waste discharges, oils spills coming from the fishing vessels and heavy siltation caused by soil erosion.
Social investigation of the mangrove utilization pattern yielded that the local people easily relate with their productive or consumption uses more than the indirect functions such as serving as buffer for waves, spawning grounds for fishes, etc. This can be explained by the fact that the indirect functions of mangroves are not easily translated into monetary terms. This is another reason for the passive attitude of community members when it comes to the issue of mangrove preservation and rehabilitation.
Similarly, rapid mangrove deforestation can be largely attributed to the fact that mangroves have economic value. Cutting and utilization of mangroves for commercial purposes provide a means of livelihood for settlers in the barangays. Moreover, mangrove sites are also being utilized as settlement areas.
Much effort is still needed in promoting awareness on mangrove protection. Seemingly, the local government approach to resource management remains on a piecemeal basis. The protection of existing mangrove forests and rehabilitation of denuded mangrove areas are not being given priority by the local government.
In light of the results and findings of the study, concrete measures to rehabilitate, protect or adopt sustainable practices in the utilization of the remaining mangroves is strongly recommended. With this, involvement of the different stakeholders - the communities, the local government units (LGUs) and the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) - in mangrove conservation and protection is very crucial. The role of the LGUs particularly in the enforcement of policies that would regulate if not totally abate, the destructive utilization of mangroves is underscored.
The study acknowledges that the utilization of mangroves for its economic functions will continue. Hence, research on their sustainable utilization should be explored and promoted by all stakeholders. Sustainable utilization of mangrove areas and steps for their rehabilitation and protection should be identified. Alternative means of livelihood should be provided for households that depend on mangroves for livelihood.
Lastly, the need to disseminate the results of this study to the local communities is underscored. The community members need to be informed of the current status of their mangroves. Hence, intensive information and education campaigns (IEC) must be undertaken. With this, it is expected that the communities will eventually appreciate the importance of mangrove ecosystems and participate in the efforts to protect and rehabilitate these.
Research Team:
| From ISO: |
From Panukulan, Quezon: |
| Agnes Z. Faustino |
Estelito Total, Jr. |
| Emmeline S. Ceas |
Lebinzon Ebio |
| Belyn E. Rafael |
Wilberto Dacillo |
| Editha H. Santibanez |
Carlito Pestanas |
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Josephine Prudente |
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Leonardo Pumares |
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Adelaida Sollestre |
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State of Coastal and Marine Resources in Madridejos: |
Resource Ecological Assessment and Participatory Coastal Resource Appraisal in Madridejos, Cebu for Small Economic Enterprise Development, Inc. (SEED) |
Abstract
Upon the invitation of the Small Economic Enterprise Development, Inc. (SEED), the Institute of Social Order (ISO) conducted a Participatory Coastal Resource Assessment (PCRA) and a Resource Ecological Assessment (REA) in the Municipality of Madridejos, Bantayan Island, Cebu. From September 15-25 2004, the group closely worked with the local community members to evaluate the community's available marine resources and to examine its social and economic situations.
The Municipality of Madridejos consists of eleven (11) coastal barangays namely: Bunakan, Kaongkod, Kodia, Maalat, Malbago, Mancilang, Poblacion, San Agustin, Tabagak, Talangnan and Tarong. The other three barangays are considered agricultural-based areas, which include: Brgys. Tugas, Pili and Kangwayan. The primary source of income of the local community is fishing, where the main marine product is danggit (Siganid spinosus).
Through the PCRA, the community identified fourteen (14) fishing grounds where local fishers usually go to catch fish. These include the following: Pulo Pantao Reef, Martin Reef, Bulobangko, Takot Reef, Sibit Reef, Bungtod Reef, Silanga, Tumakin, Quirino, Patag, Namaboan, Kapayas Gamay, Kapayas Dako and Tower Reef. However, the use of illicit fishing gears and methods threaten the marine stocks in these fishing grounds. Through personal interaction with the local community, the team recognized the different social and economic roles of women, men and children in the fishing community of Madridejos. In fact, fishing is a family activity in the community.
Through the REA, the team gathered basic information on marine and aquatic life in two coastal ecosystems: coral reefs and mangroves. The coral reef system in Madridejos shows an alarming rate of coral reef degradation brought about by mounting fishing pressure. Four (4) sites namely Kaongkod, Tarong, Talangnan and Tanguingge Island were surveyed. Among the four (4) sites, the team observed that Tanguingge has the highest diversity in terms of marine species and relatively in good condition. On the other hand, the local community recognizes the importance of mangrove ecosystem in maintaining a balanced marine ecology as apparent in their reforestation efforts. Although there is no immediate threat on mangroves from illegal fishpond in Madridejos, population pressure results in the slow deterioration of mangrove forests. Some local inhabitants of Madridejos cut mangrove to construct houses and other structures. Some of them also use the leaves of mangrove trees to feed cows and goats.
Like any other coastal communities in the country, the Municipality of Madridejos confronts poverty as its primary concern. The poverty situation is aggravated by the declining fish catch of municipal fishers brought about by the deteriorating condition of its marine environment. The results of the study produced three (3) critical issues, which include the following:
Issue 1: Unsustainable utilization of community's marine and coastal resources. This study emphasizes that the current trend of resource utilization in the municipality is the primary cause of the downward trend in the volume of fish catch in the area. The absence of municipal ordinance that governs the integrated management of marine and coastal resources contributes to the unsustainable utilization of these resources.
Issue 2: Weak grassroots participation in the implementation and monitoring of CRM-related activities. The participation of various stakeholders in the implementation and monitoring of CRM-related activities facilitates the strengthening of support to CRM-related activities. This study sees the formation and strengthening of Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mangement Council (MFARMC) as the starting point to decentralize the role of managing coastal resources.
Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 alone does not guarantee sustainable management of marine resources. Strengthening the local bodies to legislate, enforce and implement fishery-related laws at the local level facilitate the effective and efficient realization of environmental protection and poverty alleviation.
In order to address these problems, the study recommends the following:
- Awareness Building on the State of Marine Environment;
- Legislation for Local Fish Gears and Mangrove Protection;
- Tri-partite Partnership in the Management, Conservation and Protection of Marine Resources;
- Planning and Implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan; and
- Strengthening of women's role in coastal resource management.
The Municipality of Madridejos has a rich marine resource base, which opens opportunities for economic growth. However, the present resource utilization pattern of the local inhabitants shows an alarming cause that can impede sustainable growth. This study provides a working framework in order for the municipality to reverse the existing trend. The researchers believe that the best alternative way to achieve sustainable development is through the proper management, utilization and monitoring of marine and coastal resources.
Research Team:
Agnes Z. Faustino
Dennis Calvan
Richelda Salamero
Lorenzo A. Makalinta
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