May 5-7, 2026 I Eusebio Sestoso Memorial Gymnasium Training Hall, Alcoy | MANRO Dalaguete, Conference Hall | Mayors Conference Hall, Argao, Southeast Cebu
Written by: Honey Grace Mascariñas, Development Communication Intern, CCEF
CCEF conducted the Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) across the municipalities of Alcoy (2), Dalaguete (3), and Argao (10), Cebu, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and improve administration of locally managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The assessment was conducted under the Networking of MPAs thru Coastal LGUs Alliance Project (NMCLAP), generously funded by Unico Conservation Foundation.
Designed as a core evaluation tool, this MPA MEAT result measures current management effectiveness, tracks progress against the 2025 baseline result, identifies operational gaps, and provides strategies to guide stronger governance and improved management in the years ahead.
Separate meetings in Alcoy, Argao, and Dalaguete gathered a wide range of stakeholders to evaluate their respective MPA management.
- Representatives from the Provincial Fishery Office
- They Mayor of Argao, members of the Argao Sangguniang Bayan, Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO-Argao), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO-Alcoy), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO-Argao), Municipal Agriculture and Natural Office (MANRO-Dalaguete), and Municipal Tourism of Dalaguete.
- Barangay Captains and Fishery Technicians from Argao, Dalaguete, and Alcoy
- Bantay Dagat members from Argao, Dalaguete, and Alcoy
MUNICIPALITY HIGHLIGHTS
ARGAO
For the municipality of Argao — home to 10 sanctuaries, Guiwanon scored 59 points, Taloot 58, Binlod 59, Bulasa 59, Langtad 58, Poblacion 51, Talaga 54, Bogo 54, Tulic 62, and Casay 55 attained through long-term implementation of effective conservation efforts. All 10 sanctuaries reached Sustained and Institutionalized management status. This reflects well-established governance systems, consistent implementation of conservation measures, continuous monitoring and a strong collective participation from the community.
DALAGUETE
The three assessed MPAs in Dalaguete — Casay 67, Cawayan 71, Balod – Consolacion 67 — achieved Institutionalized management status indicating the management systems are efficient and governance structures are fully operational. The implementation of the necessary policies and approval of the MPA plans have positioned Dalaguete to better ensure the long-term sustainability of its marine resources.
ALCOY
Alcoy marked a milestone with both of its MPAs— Poblacion scored 72, and Guiwang – Daanlungsod 75. This implies that commitments to conservation planning, policy support and capacity building translates into improved management performance. The assessment also shows how conservation efforts are slowly being embedded within the municipal development and the MPA management plans.
LOOKING AHEAD
The results serve as a practical reference for LGUs and MPA managers, making them better equipped in identifying areas that need improvement and setting priorities for stronger MPA management. This will also serve as a guide for strengthening conservation efforts, which in turn will lead to healthier coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove ecosystems,supporting fish population recovery, and creating more opportunities for sustainable fisheries, ecotourism and resilient communities.
