Calabanga is among the seven towns that share the San Miguel Bay coastal area. It is composed of 11 coastal, 19 upland, and 18 rural barangays. San Miguel Bay area is one of the richest fishing grounds in the country with an average annual municipal landings of about 11,000 metric tons per year.

The Bay is beset by typical problems experienced by Philippine coastal areas such as resources exploitation and habitat destruction. Efforts to minimize these problems through an integrated coastal management scheme dates to as far back as 1986 when the seven municipalities were drawn together because of the common challenges confronting them. With the leadership of the Bigkis-Lakas, a local Chapter of a national fisherfolk association and the cooperation of the LGU, an Integrated Coastal Fisheries Management Plan was prepared.

The San Miguel Bay Management Council (SMBMC) was formally launched as its implementing institution. Calabanga was then the operational center of the programs under the chairmanship of then Calabanga Mayor Ruben Medroso. Collaborating NGOs included the Haribon Foundation for Natural Resource Conservation and Management (HARIBON); the Caceres Social Action Foundation (CASAFI); Camarines Sur Development Network (CADENET). In time, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (MFARMCs) were also phased-in as project implementors upon their creation by RA 8550 or the Fisheries Code.

This story focuses on the role played by Calabanga as one of the movers in the protection and conservation of San Miguel Bay. While efforts by the neighboring towns along the Bay have not been consistent with regard to the implementation of the conservation program, Calabanga has continued to harness its leaders and their constituency in this very important effort. The current Mayor, Hon. Evelyn Yu strongly supports the programs and activities undertaken by the MFARMC which strictly implements the provisions of the Fisheries Code.

Calabanga’s LGU reinforces the implementation of the Code through various municipal ordinances (MOs) which empowers local fisherfolks. These MOs include the formation of the Bantay-Dagat Program, rehabilitation and management of fish sanctuaries, and registration of municipal fisherfolk, among others. Funds are thus allocated to these activities through the municipality’s Internal Revenue Allotment.