PUBLIC PRESENTATION. Participants of the “Coastal Research Results Presentation and Public Discussion” take a group photo after the public presentation held at the N Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. Supplied photo.
Report by McKeough Marine Center - Coremar Team
Xavier Ateneo’s McKeough Marine Center conducted a public discussion on the research results they gathered from their coastal resource study and surveys in the three barangays in the city.
MMC's Coastal Resource Assessment and Marine Debris Audit (Coremar) Project, funded by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc (PSFI), spearheaded the “Coastal Research Results Presentation and Discussion" held at the N Hotel, attended by 50 people composed of narangay officials and fisherfolk leaders from Bayabas, Gusa, and Macabalan, officials and representatives from the BFAR, City Planning Office, CLENRO, DENR, DPWH, Philippine Ports Authority, and PSFI.
The research results on Marine Protect Areas (MPAs) and coastal waters were first presented by MMC to the three barangays where some issues and problems were identified as threats to the marine coastal resources of Macajalar Bay. To widen the discussion and seek more inputs and comments to address the problems, it was decided to invite the concerned government agencies.
THE FRONTLINERS. Xavier Ateneo McKeough Marine Center and Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc jointly organize the public presentation. Supplied photo.
Major issues and problems involved solid wastes, coastal water contamination, river-borne sedimentation, polluted water drained into the MPAs, and coastal infrastructures.
The discussion allowed both the barangay people and the government agencies’ officials to raise questions, make clarifications, explain sources and causes of problems, and seek ways to address the threats.
Each barangay formulated concrete plans to address the issues, together with the government agencies. The barangays then presented to the larger group their plans of action after the members affixed their signatures as a sign of commitment to pursue the plans.
In the plans, the three barangays resolved to write resolutions to the City Council on matters and issues that need the latter’s intervention and help.
MMC will continue to be involved in following up concrete responses from government agencies while looking into other possible research work related to the issues at hand.∎
BRGY MACABALAN. Barangay Macabalan officials share their concerns with City Planning Office director Engr Isidro Borja during the small-group discussion. Supplied photo.
BRGY BAYABAS. Barangay Bayabas officials share their concerns with CLENRO and DPWH officers during the small-group discussion. Supplied photo.
BRGY GUSA. Barangay Gusa officials share their concerns with City Agriculture Office, DENR, and DPWH officers during the small-group discussion. Supplied photo.