by Jo Marie T. Acero and Kristine A. Galarrita

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is one of the key players involved in the development, conservation, management, protection and utilization of fisheries and aquatic resources in the country. Currently, BFAR Region X is supporting the Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA) on its efforts for the implementation of coastal law enforcement and formulation of unified policies for the entire bay. Its collaboration and partnership with the alliance have effectively continued over the years.

Spearheaded by Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimerin, BFAR- X hosted a Coordination Meeting and Learning Visit for the MBDA last July 28 - 30, 2014 to various areas of Murcielagos Bay – covering part of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte. Hon. Mayor Oliver L. Ubaub headed the members and partners of the MBDA as Chairperson of this 2-day event that primarily focused on strengthening the partnership of the alliance and the bureau. Also in attendance were Dr. Josefino Bascug, Hon. Vice Mayor Edwin C. Dagasuhan and Kagawad Robert Absin as representatives of the local chief executives of the provincial government of Misamis Oriental and municipalities of Villanueva and Jasaan, respectively. TWG members of 11 LGUs, DENR- X, PNP Maritime Group and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) actively participated in this engagement as well. Xavier University led by Dr. Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit also attended the activities representing the Secretary and Treasurer of the alliance.

The MBDA and BFAR Coordination Meeting, MBDA Joint Council and General TWG Meetings and the Midyear Evaluation were conducted during the first day at La Esperanza Beach Resort, Baliangao, Misamis Occidental. Here, Hon. Mayor Agne V. Yap, Sr. of the municipality of Baliangao gave his heartfelt welcome message to the MBDA. Subsequently, BFAR apprised the alliance of their involvement in integrated coastal management and offered to assess collaborative programs for implementation which was presented by Regional Director Dimerin. A very informative discussion was made which enlightened and clarified the MBDA members of particular processes and issues. Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation about the Murcielagos Bay- Management Alliance of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte (MB-MAMOCZAN) by Mr Aproniano R. Panorel, the Executive Director of Partnership for Rural and Technical Services, Inc. (PARTS). This has allowed the MBDA to learn on its best practices and be acquainted with another established inter-LGU alliance in the region.

The following day was the site visit to different projects in Murcielagos Bay. Among the places visited were:

• • The Mariculture Park at Lopez Jaena wherein 10 Norwegian aquaculture cages are established
  • The Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape, a mangrove boardwalk that is 510 meters in length which will be promoted as an ecotourism site by LGU Baliangao and DENR-10
  • Naburos Island in Baliangao, which is rich in edible shellfish and other marine resources. Lastly,
  • The sea urchin cage culture in the municipality of Rizal. This is part of Xavier University’s Ecosystem Alliance (EA) project funded by the Integrated Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) wherein the first training session was jointly conducted with the MBDA.

Engagements of this sort not only facilitate in the implementation of mutual programs and projects but also strengthen the camaraderie of the members and partners of the MBDA. Exchange of ideas, practices and queries in conserving marine resources and a flash of glowing grin marked the success of the activity. The group went home safely with learnings from the visit which could be replicated in Macajalar bay.