TWO networks of marine reserves in Misamis Oriental topped the Outstanding Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network category in the 7th Para El MAR: MPA Awards and Recognition held at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City on October 21 to 22.
Dr. Jojo Bascug, Provincial Planning Development Office head, said out of the 22 that participated in the category, only three national finalists were selected for the final judging where two are from Misamis Oriental.
The finalists were judged through the following criteria: general management plan objectives are clear, GMP targets are achieved, high degree of participation from the stakeholders, MPAs are self-sustaining, observed reduction of threats due to joint efforts, observed ecological improvement in the area, observed socio-economic and cultural benefits, and key learning and innovations.
The Gingoog Bay Alliance was declared as the Most Outstanding MPA Network, a category that recognizes multiple MPAs handled by multiple local government units working together. This was followed by Macajalar Bay Development Alliance as the first runner up and Kahil-ICAMC of Negros Occidental.
Bascug said winning the award will be beneficial to the said networks as this will pave way to clear participation of stakeholders, fisherfolk and local government unit officials in protecting the coastal and ocean environment; clear implementation of ICM; ecological improvement; prevention of illegal fishing; and improvement of socio-economic and cultural beliefs.
He added that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will also provide technical assistance, livelihood, fishing equipment, motorboats, and trainings for deputized fish wardens.
"We will have clean seas. Remember, in 2018, we also won the MMK Malinis na Mamayan at Karagatan Grand Award," Bascug said.
The Para El MAR, organized by the MPA Support Network, is a biennial event that aims to showcase the country's best performing MPAs and provide a venue for Philippine MPA champions to share experiences and learn from each other.
MPA Support Network is a network of various government, non-government and academic institutions that seeks to provide support to local MPA initiatives by leveraging support from private/public partnerships and mainstreaming institutional arrangements that will help sustain MPA management.