May 15, 2026 | Samboan Municipal Hall, Samboan, Cebu
and Mayor of Oslob
To advance marine conservation and strengthen maritime law enforcement across Southeast Cebu, the Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council (SCCRMC) convened its Second Quarterly Meeting at the Samboan Municipal Hall. The session brought together leaders from seven municipalities, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), and the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF). This initiative is part of the Networking of MPAs thru Coastal LGUs Alliance Project (NMCLAP) and generously funded by the Unico Conservation Foundation.
The meeting underscored the council’s pivotal role in safeguarding the Cebu-Bohol Strait, a vital lifeline for fisheries and coastal ecosystems across Central Visayas.
- Financial Transparency: Cluster Treasurer Cindy Plando (LGU-Alcoy) presented the Marine Protected Area Network (MPAN) savings report, confirming a healthy ₱606,800 trust fund balance. A resolution was passed to transfer custodianship from Dalaguete to Oslob.
- Strategic Governance: The council updated its Strategic Management Plan and finalized municipal water coordinates to address warden deputization challenges. A key priority was the reactivation of the Municipal Law Enforcement (MUSCLE) group to deter illegal fishing activities.
- Leadership Renewal: Newly elected council officers formally assumed their governance roles under the leadership of incoming Chairman, Honorable Ronald Guaren of Oslob. The oath-taking ceremony was graced by Dr. Stanley Caminero, Cebu Second District Board Member, representing Governor Pam Baricuatro, underscoring provincial support for strengthened council leadership.
- Chairman: Hon. Ronald L. Guaren, Mayor, MLGU Oslob
- Vice Chairman: Hon. Nelin B. Tambis, Mayor, MLGU Dalaguete
- Secretary: Horace L. Reyes, Executive Secretary to the Mayor, MLGU Samboan
- Treasurer: Cindy Plando, Fisheries Technician, MLGU Alcoy
- Auditor: Doris Cañete, Fisheries Technician, MLGU Santander
- Future Initiatives: The council scheduled the 3rd Quarter Cluster Meeting for August 11, 2026, in Santander, and approved upcoming “Pating Patrol” shark conservation training and Geographic Information System (GIS) workshops to equip LGUs with advanced ecological data tools.
- Operational Matters: Discussions also covered trust fund contribution structures, fisherfolk concerns in Dalaguete, and engineering proposals for wave breakers to protect vulnerable shorelines from typhoon damage.
With firm support from the Province of Cebu, the SCCRMC is positioned to move beyond planning into decisive action,ensuring healthier fisheries, resilient coastal ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods across Southeast Cebu. An active council that prioritizes ocean conservation provides the region with both the governance and the momentum needed to safeguard marine resources while reinforcing economic stability.
This alignment of local leadership, provincial support, and community commitment makes the SCCRMC a driving force in securing Southeast Cebu’s marine future.
This activity is carried out under the Networking of MPAs thru Coastal LGUs Alliance Project (NMCLAP) and is generously funded by the Unico Conservation Foundation (UCF).
