By Kristine A Galarrita

The Metro Siargao Alliance for Sustainable Development (MSASD) embarked on a benchmarking trip aimed at learning how the Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA) was established, how it has addressed its challenges and sustained its programs.

The learning visit, held on June 19, highlighted the importance of the academe’s involvement in implementing science-based approaches on coastal management, such as the partnership of MBDA and Xavier University.      

Mayor Fernando N Dolar of LGU Santa Monica, Mayor Emmanuel N Arcena of LGU Burgos and Vice Mayor Loreto G Resurreccion of LGU Pilar led the 25-person delegation of MSASD.

MSASM is an alliance composed of 9 member-LGUs from the Province of Surigao del Norte.

The members of the technical working group of MBDA were also in attendance to share their experiences and lessons to the participants.

Aside from the presentation of programs and projects of MBDA, the one-day event also included snorkelling and other water activities at the Agutayan Island in Jasaan.

This the fourth time for MBDA to host a learning visit after the Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA), Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC) for its Ang Panagtagbo sa Tigbantay sa Lasang, Suba ug Dagat, and XU – McKeough Marine Center (XU-MMC) for its International Union for the Conservation of Nature - Ecosystem Alliance (IUCN-EA) partners from the Benin Environment and Education Society (BEES NGO) of the Republic of Benin in West Africa.