September 16–19, 2025 | Oslob, Cebu —In response to a formal request from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Oslob, CCEF conducted a Baseline Biophysical Assessment and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign across seven coastal barangays: Mainit, Hagdan, Bonbon, Lagunde, Daanglungsod, Calumpang, and Alo.
The activity aimed to validate the ecological suitability and viability of LGU-identified sites for Marine Protected Area (MPA) establishment—ensuring they meet the necessary biological, physical, and socio-economic criteria for long-term conservation success. With technical collaboration from BFAR Region 7 and DENR–CENRO Argao, CCEF conducted reef assessments, habitat mapping, and community engagement to provide Oslob with a science-based foundation for MPA planning and policy development.
Key outputs of the assessment included baseline data on coral reef health and marine biodiversity, identification of critical habitats and biodiversity hotspots, and recommendations for MPA zoning and design based on ecological viability. The team also facilitated fisherfolk dialogues and IEC sessions to strengthen community engagement and produced policy and management guidance to support local legislation for formal MPA establishment.
Next steps for Oslob include the public presentation of findings and stakeholder consultations, followed by site selection and technical delineation. A community acceptance survey will be conducted to ensure local support, leading to the drafting of barangay resolutions and a municipal ordinance to formalize the proposed MPAs.
Local studies consistently affirm that MPAs established through a complete, participatory, and science-based process—beginning with ecological assessment and culminating in formal legislation and community buy-in—are significantly more effective in achieving conservation and fisheries recovery goals. A 2022 systematic review of Philippine MPAs highlights that success is strongly linked to proper site selection, stakeholder engagement, and sustained management planning.
By following this pathway, Oslob is not only laying the groundwork for ecologically viable sanctuaries but also contributing to a growing body of best practices that demonstrate how local leadership, when supported by science and collaboration, can deliver lasting impact for people and the sea.
This initiative is part of CCEF’s ongoing work under the Networking Marine Protected Areas thru Coastal LGU Alliance Project (NMCLAP), which strengthens marine governance and builds a connected, resilient MPA network across Southeast Cebu.
