On March 3–4, 2026, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) convened in Badian, Cebu, marking a pivotal moment in the municipality’s coastal journey. Fisherfolk, local government leaders, and partner organizations came together to revisit the future of the Bugas Marine Sanctuary, a site that has long symbolized the community’s commitment to protecting its marine resources.
The Bugas Marine Sanctuary was first established in 2022 under Municipal Ordinance No. 32, covering 10 hectares. While this was a significant milestone for local conservation, scientific assessments conducted by the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) revealed that the sanctuary was not achieving its intended purpose. Low coral cover, sedimentation from nearby river tributaries, and limited ecological connectivity restricted its effectiveness as a coral reef-focused reserve.
Recognizing these limitations, CCEF initiated public consultations in June 2024, where fisherfolk and community members voiced strong support for expanding the sanctuary. Their vision was clear: a larger, more inclusive marine park that could sustain biodiversity while securing livelihoods.
WHY EXPANSION IS VITAL?
During the MFARMC meeting, the CCEF team explained why expansion is necessary:
- Ecological Connectivity: By including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, the park now protects interconnected habitats essential for breeding and feeding marine species.
- Fisheries Recovery: A larger protected area supports healthier fish stocks, ensuring long-term food security for fisherfolk.
- Climate Resilience: Mangroves and seagrass beds act as natural shields against storms and erosion, safeguarding coastal communities.
- Livelihood Opportunities: Ecotourism tied to the expanded park creates sustainable income streams for families in Barangay Bugas.
Mrs. Ione Villagonzalo of BFAR Region 7 emphasized the spill-over benefits, noting that fish populations will thrive not only within the park but also in surrounding waters, directly benefiting local fishers.
For the fisherfolk of Barangay Bugas, this expansion is more than policy — it is hope. Through their organization, BUFFALOO (Bugas Fishermen, Farmers and Livestock Owners Organization), they will take the lead in managing the park. Their involvement ensures that conservation is community-owned, rooted in local traditions, and aligned with their aspirations for a better future.
Mayor Jerome Christian V. Librando highlighted the importance of focusing development in Bugas, explaining that concentrating resources in one barangay allows for measurable impacts, stronger community capacity, and replicable models for other areas in Badian.
As mandated, the MFARMC serves as the advisory body that recommends policies for the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources. In line with this role, the council agreed to submit a formal recommendation to the Sangguniang Bayan for legislative action on amending the ordinance.
The roadmap ahead is clear and united in purpose:
- Submission of the recommendation to the Sangguniang Bayan for review and legislative action.
- Preparation and attachment of the technical description and zoning map of the proposed 65-hectare Bugas Marine Park.
- Conduct of community consultations and stakeholder meetings to ensure awareness and support from residents and fisherfolk.
- Formal amendment and approval of Municipal Ordinance No. 32, Series of 2022, to officially declare the expanded Bugas Marine Park.
- Development of a management and enforcement plan, with BUFFALOO working alongside the Municipal Government, Taῆon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS), and partner organizations.
- Implementation of conservation, monitoring, and ecotourism initiatives once the ordinance is approved.
The expansion of Bugas Marine Park is a testament to what happens when communities, governments, and partners work hand in hand. It is a promise that future generations will inherit not only the traditions of fishing but also the bounty of a healthier ocean.
