June 9-10, 2026 | Office of the Mayor, Municipal Hall of Boljoon, Cebu | SB Session Hall, Municipal Hall of Santander, Cebu
Written by: Honey Grace Mascariñas, Development Communication Intern, CCEF
CCEF successfully conducted the Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) evaluation across 18 MPAs in Southeast Cebu, covering four coastal municipalities: Boljoon (2), Oslob (5), Santander (1), and Samboan (2).
The assessment brought together representatives from Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Bantay Dagat as well as MPA Managers to evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected area management across the participating municipalities. The assessment served as the tracker from the 2025 baseline, pinpointed management gaps and developed strategic actions to improve MPA management.
The MPA MEAT is a tool utilized to evaluate how effectively an MPA is being managed. It measures MPA management effectiveness, helping identify gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement. The assessment was conducted under Networking MPAs through Coastal LGU Alliance Project (NMCLAP), with support from Unico Conservation Foundation, reinforcing CCEF’s mission to conserve and protect coastal and marine resources.
HIGHLIGHTS
BOLJOON
The Arbor and Granada marine sanctuaries each maintained 73 points (Level 3) in 2025 and achieved institutionalization (Level 4) through strengthened governance systems and constant institutional support. The transition was mainly accredited to continuous effective administrative turnover, excellent records management performance, institutionalization of regular biennial reviews of the municipality’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management framework.
OSLOB
Oslob recorded the most significant gains with Sumilon improving from 63 points (Level 2) in 2025 to 82 points (Level 4) in 2026 after complying all required management documentation and solidifying governance mechanisms. Bangcogon reached 78 points, Tanawan 68, Gawi 66 and Poblacion 66— all improving from their previous scores of 57-60. These improvements were driven by proper turnover of MPA management plans, streamlined documentation, and infrastructure rehabilitation. The municipality’s strengthened document security and enhanced coastal law enforcement capacity further reinforced governance, enabling these sites to ascend.
SANTANDER
The Pasil Marine Sanctuary rose to 64 points from 59 points, and reached institutionalization stage (Level 4) as a result of an approved new MPA management plan and the construction of a Pasil guardhouse that further boosted field inspection capabilities.
SAMBOAN
Meanwhile, MPAs in Samboan ascended to Level 2 and attained Institutionalized management status, with Colase scoring 66 and Tangbo 62, up from their previous scores of 60 and 62. This is after completing legal documentation providing greater continuity in MPA governance and strengthening adaptability to future shifts in administrative personnel.
LOOKING AHEAD
The MPA MEAT serves as a periodic evaluation that identifies gaps across the key dimensions of effective MPA management. By providing evidence-based insights, it enables stakeholders to make informed decisions that strengthen governance and improve the overall management of Southeast Cebu’s MPAs.
Harnessing these results opens greater opportunities for the management body and coastal communities. Better management of MPAs will enhance fisheries productivity, which will translate into improved livelihood. Most importantly, the process fosters stronger collective participation, driven by the shared aspiration to uplift quality of life through continued stewardship of marine resources.
