The Macajalar Bay Development Alliance, a project of the McKeough Marine Center for integrated coastal management in partnership with local government units (LGUs) in Misamis Oriental, has been selected to receive a special award as one of the fisheries stakeholders in Northern Mindanao from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The awarding ceremony was held on Oct 19 at the Stakeholders’ Fellowship Night of the 49th Fish Conservation Week Celebration in Quezon City. The award recognizes and commends the efforts of various institutions who are partners of BFAR in implementing projects that conserve and manage our fisheries and aquatic resources.

Macajalar Bay is a major fishing ground in Misamis Oriental. The MBDA was created in 2008 as a collaborative effort between MMC and 14 coastal LGUs in Misamis Oriental for the sustainable management of the Bay. These LGUs are Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, Jasaan, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Opol, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan and Villanueva, and the province of Misamis Oriental.