February 27, 2025, Argao, Cebu – The Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council (SCCRMC) convened its first council meeting of the year at DENR-CENRO Argao, Cebu, with the support of the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) through the NMCLAP Project. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Southeast Cebu ADABOSS LGUs—Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Santander, and Samboan—alongside BFAR-7 and CENRO-Argao, to advance discussions on Marine Protected Area (MPA) governance and sustainable coastal resource management.
A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing finalization of the MPA Network Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which remains incomplete due to pending Sangguniang Bayan resolutions. Some LGUs have yet to submit the required documents, delaying the notarization process necessary for the agreement’s full implementation.
CCEF also introduced two approved projects under the Unico Conservation Foundation: the Networking of Marine Protected Areas through Coastal LGU Alliance Project (NMCLAP) and the Promoting Community-Based Tourism (ProComTour) Project. These initiatives aim to strengthen MPA governance and promote sustainable ecotourism, further scaling up conservation efforts in Southeast Cebu.
Looking ahead, CCEF will continue supporting SCCRMC with critical upcoming activities, including Biophysical Assessments in Boljoon, Dalaguete, and Argao, and the Fish Warden Deputation Training on March 2025. These efforts reinforce CCEF’s long-standing commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable coastal governance.
As a long-time partner of SCCRMC, CCEF has played a vital role in advancing MPA management in Southeast Cebu. The strong collaboration among LGUs has earned national recognition, with SCCRMC receiving the 2021 Para El Mar Award for Best MPA Network Alliance in the Philippines. With changing political landscapes, continued cooperation among local governments remains crucial to sustaining conservation efforts and securing the future of the region’s marine ecosystems.
With new projects on the horizon, SCCRMC is set to renew its commitment to safeguarding Southeast Cebu’s coastal and marine resources. CCEF remains steadfast in its mission to empower local governments, strengthen governance structures, and build resilient coastal communities for generations to come.
