By Kristine A Galarrita and Jo Marie Acero
The Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA) received a commendation award during the 51st Fish Conservation Week Celebration of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Region 10 (BFAR-10) on October 13-17.
With the theme “Sektor ng mga Mangingisdang Rehistrado at Kinilala, Kabalikat sa Pagsulong ng Pangisdaang Masagana,” the week-long event awarded various institutions for their contributions and support to the sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic resources.
Dr Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit, vice-president for XU - Research and Social Outreach (RSO), was also a recipient of the commendation award for initiating the creation of the inter-LGU alliance in 2008 and for her support in research and capacity building activities.
The celebration was in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 176 and as mandated in the Fisheries Code of the Philippines (RA 8550 series of 1998) to remind the public the importance of protecting and preserving the marine resources as it is one of the main livelihoods of the general populace.
The efforts of the MBDA were further recognized during the National Conference on Local Conservation Areas on October 23-24 at Crowne Plaza in Pasig City.
Mayor Oliver L Ubaub of the municipality of Laguindingan and chairperson of the MBDA presented the alliance’s best practices and lessons on bay-wide management of marine protected areas.
The event, aimed at promoting the improved biodiversity conservation programs, was attended by different stakeholders where they introduced their strategies on sustainable development and preservation of the watershed, river and coastal environment in the Philippines.
The convenors of the event include the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) Project, Haribon Foundation and New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (NewCAPP).