August 29, 2026 | Barangay Bonbon, Oslob, Cebu
The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) facilitated the Barangay Assembly in Bonbon, Oslob under the Networking of MPAs thru Coastal LGUs Alliance Project (NMCLAP), funded by the Unico Conservation Foundation. This activity marked a pivotal step in advancing community‑based marine conservation in Cebu.
The assembly gathered 104 residents, fisherfolk associations, and barangay officials, reflecting strong local involvement. Discussions underscored the ecological and socioeconomic importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) — from coral reef protection and biodiversity conservation to fisheries replenishment through the spillover effect and livelihood security.
Through consensus, the community agreed to designate 21.99 hectares out of 43.22 hectares as a Strict Protection Zone. Within this core area, extractive and destructive activities will be prohibited. Only scientific research, ecological monitoring, and conservation initiatives will be permitted, ensuring the area remains a sanctuary for marine life. This milestone is more than a local achievement, it is part of a growing network of community‑driven MPAs across the Philippines that are delivering measurable results.
Scientific studies on Philippine MPAs have shown that:
- Fish biomass inside MPAs can be 2–3 times higher than in non‑protected areas, leading to improved catch rates in adjacent fishing grounds through the spillover effect.
- Coral cover and reef health improve significantly in protected zones, strengthening resilience against climate change impacts.
- Communities benefit economically from sustained fisheries and emerging ecotourism opportunities, diversifying household income.
With the forthcoming MPA ordinance formulation on September 2–3, Barangay Bonbon is set to institutionalize these agreements, embedding them into policy and ensuring long‑term enforcement. This ordinance will not only secure ecological gains but also provide tangible benefits for food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Moving forward, CCEF’s facilitation ensures that Bonbon’s efforts are connected to a wider conservation alliance, where local stewardship, scientific evidence, and strong partnerships converge to protect marine biodiversity and empower coastal communities.
