November 22, 2024, Dauis, Bohol – Rebekah Eubanks, Deputy Mission Director of USAID Philippines, visited the Bingag Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Dauis, Bohol. The visit highlighted USAID’s ongoing collaboration with local organizations, including the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) and the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF), under the INSPIRE Protect Danajon Grant Project.
The day’s agenda kicked off with an MPA Management Effectiveness Assessment, where Eubanks observed community-led evaluation processes for the annual MPA Awards. A brief boat ride then led the delegation to the Bingag MPA, home to an impressive 194 Tridacna gigas (giant clams). These clams, sourced from the UP MSI Bolinao Marine Laboratory and the Bohol Giant Clam Hatchery, play a crucial role in marine biodiversity and eco-tourism.
Back at Dapdap Beach, Eubanks engaged with members of the local People’s Organization (PO), who shared their experiences in managing the MPA, operating eco-tourism enterprises, and addressing challenges such as illegal fishing. A heartfelt exchange underscored the community’s pride in their work and their reliance on sustainable practices for their livelihoods.
In her message, Eubanks praised the community’s efforts, emphasizing USAID’s commitment to supporting initiatives that protect natural resources and empower local communities.
The visit concluded at Bohol Bee Farm, where BPEMO and CCEF presented the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef’s biodiversity significance, USAID’s legacy of engagement in Bohol, and milestones achieved through the Protect Danajon Project.
This visit exemplifies how global partnerships can drive local action for conservation. With continued support, efforts like these can protect critical ecosystems like the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef, secure sustainable livelihoods, and inspire broader community engagement in marine conservation.
