The local government invited individuals and
representatives of various sectors
of the municipality to discuss and assess the situation, and together they planned
possible actions to address the problem. This consultation led to the conceptualization of
the program - Ecological Amelioration for Sustainable Development
It has four major strategies, namely: 1) environmental advocacy, 2) environmental
legislation, 3) economic allevaiation, and 4) the creation of Human and Ecological
Security Commission.
Promotion of environmental and ecological awareness in the municipality was the initial
activity in this phase. The local government, with the assistance and support of various
organizations, launched a massive and comprehensive information, and education campaign
(IEC). They were able to mobilize more than a thousand volunteers from various sectors to
participate in the initial planting of mangrove seedlings in Gumalac Island. This became
an annual activity of the community. A Municipal Resolution was also passed
institutionalizing the Peoples Day Program wherein issues and pressing concerns,
grievances, and sentiments affecting the general welfare of the public are provided a
venue for discussion and resolution.
- Environmental Legislation
Aiming to bring back the balanced ecology in the area, the three islets (Tabuk,
Gumalac, and Cabgan) were closed to human activities. Said islets are situated just across
the mainland providing the municipality a natural barrier from typhoons. A Municipal
Ordinance was passed declaring the Island of Tabuk
as a Fish and Bird Sanctuary, therefore all fishing activities in the island extending up
to 200 meters on all sides are prohibited.
Other legislations passed include: total ban on the catching of danggit during
the spawning season from February to April (eleg period), total ban on coral
extraction, regulation on the use of superlight and other destructive fishing methods, and
the establishment of a 24-hour patrol against illegal fishing and other violations of
environmental laws.
When fishing activities was prohibited in Tabuk Island, and controlled and closely
monitored in the islands of Gumalac and Cabgan, the fisherfolks in the area had to be
provided with alternative livelihood activity. To address this, a Municipal Livelihood
Committee was formed composed of the local representatives of the Department of
Agriculture, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and headed by the Municipal
Vice-Mayor. The Committee was tasked to find ways to plan, implement, and supervise
livelihood projects of the local government.
For skills development and technical know-how, community-based resource management
training are regularly conducted for free by the local government for the community. They
also linked with the local non-government organizations engaged in livelihood programs to
find ways of giving additional income to fisherfolks during eleg period.
With the support of the Municipal Livelihood Committee and non-government
organizations, the community members has organized themselves and are now actively
venturing in various livelihood activities.
- The Creation of Human and Ecological Security Commission
To ensure the guaranteed protection and preservation of the natural resources of the
municipality, the local government organized the Human and Ecological Security Commission
(HESC). This is attached to the mayors office and serves as the umbrella and
organizational mechanism under which all environmental activities are coordinated.
Five years after the inception of the program, Palompon has succeeded in preventing
further damage to whatever remained in their coastal environment. Moreso, they were able
to increase the municipal income on fisheries.
The mangrove stands of Tabuk are now denser,
thousands of wild ducks can be seen again on the islands, fish diversity has increased,
migratory birds have returned for their annual visit. The number of volunteers for the
annual planting of mangroves has continued to increase. More barangays in the area
have declared their own fish sanctuary/s. After realizing the benefits of the program,
practically all sectors of the community are one in supporting the program.