February 25, 2026 | MANRO Dalaguete Conference Hall, Dalaguete, Cebu — Since its founding in 2005, the Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council (SCCRMC) has stood as a united alliance of seven municipalities, protecting the Cebu-Bohol Strait, one of Central Visayas’ most vital fisheries ecosystems. The council convenes quarterly to strengthen coastal resource protection through shared expertise, collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.
In the 2026 1st Quarterly Meeting, SCCRMC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stewardship and governance. The council conducted its election of officers and, with the support of CCEF and DENR CENRO Argao, approved the Strategic Plan 2026–2028, which outlines priorities in governance, law enforcement, habitat protection, communication, capacity building, and livelihood diversification. This plan marks a renewed vision for collective action and resilience.
Meeting Highlights & Agenda
- Acknowledgment of Participants, Quorum, and Agenda
Twenty-three (23) participants attended, representing CCEF, BFAR, OPA-Capitol, OSCA-Farmer’s Dalaguete, CENRO Argao, DENR Region 7, and LGUs of Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, and Samboan. A quorum was declared, and Ms. Elma Barro (CENRO Argao) facilitated the election of the presiding officer, with Hon. Ronald Guaren chosen by majority vote. - Agenda 1: Financial Report of MPAN Savings
Ms. Juana Tangpus (Dalaguete Fishery Technician) presented the financial report, confirming each LGU’s Php 50,000 contribution. The council fund balance stands at Php 626,400, deposited in LandBank Dalaguete. Hon. Guaren suggested strengthening fund management, supported by RI’s recommendation to elect a fund officer, which was revisited under “Other Matters.” - Agenda 2: Adoption of ADABOSS-Endorsed LGU Representatives
Letters from Local Chief Executives designated permanent alternate representatives from Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Samboan, and Santander. Oslob’s representative was verbally designated, while Boljoon was represented without a formal letter. Hon. Guaren emphasized that mayors remain the priority attendees, with alternates representing in their absence. - Agenda 3: SCCRMC Cluster Election of Officers
• Chairman: Hon. Ronald Guaren – Mayor of the Municipality of Oslob
• Vice-Chairman: Hon. Nelin Belciña-Tambis – Mayor of the Municipality of Dalaguete
• Secretary: Hon. Emerito D. Calderon, Jr. – Mayor of the Municipality of Samboan
• Treasurer: Hon. Jose Eugenio Singson, Jr. – Mayor of the Municipality of Alcoy
• Auditor: Hon. Marites B. Buscato – Mayor of the Municipality of Santander - Agenda 4: Presentation & Approval of SCCRMC Strategic Plan (2026–2028)
Ms. Elma Barro presented the plan developed during the November 2025 workshop. Key goals include:
• Governance: Reconstitute TWG, implement MOA, hold elections, conduct regular meetings, and assess alliance effectiveness.
• Law Enforcement: Clarify municipal water boundaries, register pumpboats, deputize Bantay Dagat, and reactivate MUSCLE.
• Habitat Protection: Continue biophysical assessments, delineate LMPAs, establish a Wildlife Rescue Center for marine turtles, set up mangrove nurseries, and conduct coastal clean-ups.
• Communication & Awareness: Identify flagship species, develop ecotourism, launch SCCRMC website, and conduct IEC campaigns.
• Capacity Building: Provide leadership and technical training for fishery technicians.
• Livelihood Diversification: Support alternative livelihoods such as mangrove nurseries, bangus/tilapia production, and seaweed culture. - Agenda 5: CCEF Accomplishments (Year 1)
RI presented CCEF’s Year 1 accomplishments under NMCLAP, including mangrove rehabilitation and nursery establishment training, MPA management planning workshops, and biophysical assessments of ADABOSS MPAs. He emphasized cooperation among SCCRMC members, particularly in data turnover and consistent attendance at cluster meetings to avoid delays in coastal resource management initiatives. - Agenda 6: Other Matters – NEAT Assessment & Fund Management
Ms. Laverna Jade Siarot facilitated a discussion on the Network Effectiveness Assessment Tool (NEAT), recalling the 2020 assessment results where the council scored 71/93, qualifying SCCRMC for the Para el Mar Outstanding MPA Network Category. This reminder underscored the alliance’s long-standing strengths while also pointing to areas where continuous improvement is needed.
Hon. Ronald Guaren raised fund management concerns, suggesting that SCCRMC’s funds be held under its own account rather than LGU Dalaguete to improve accessibility and liquidation. The council deferred decision on whether to open a new account or revive the existing BIR-registered account, recognizing that financial autonomy is critical for smoother operations and accountability.
What truly stood out was the collective spirit: leaders, partners, and communities coming together to protect the Southeast Cebu coasts. The meeting showed that stewardship is not a task for one municipality alone, but a responsibility shared across boundaries.
