The Project

In July, 1997, two coastal barangays (communities) along Gingoog Bay in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental were identified as pilot sites for Sustainable Coastal Resource Management Project (SCRMP) which was being implemented by the TOUCH Foundation and the Local Government Support Project (LGSP) – Region 10. These two communities were Lapinig and Mantangale. Touch Foundation is a non-Government organization working with the Canadian International Development Assistance (CIDA) in the implementation of the aforementioned project.

One of the very first activities undertaken by the project after the Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the LGSP and the Barangay Captains was to conduct a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) to identify community needs, analyze potential problems and difficulties as well as validate and update the barangay profiles.

Intensive information dissemination, study tours, training, ecological awareness and skills development activities were conducted so that the community would better understand the purpose and objectives of the Project. In time, the community started to appreciate the value of sustainable utilization of the coastal resources. It is also worth noting that the Project gained the support of the Balingoan Municipal Mayor and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB).

Institutional arrangements were formalized with the formation of a the Balingoan LGSP Project Management Team (BLPMT). Likewise, BFARMCs with representatives from various sectors were created in Lapinig and Mantangale. These bodies maintain and manage the project, especially livelihood and conservation activities. Bantay Dagat fish wardens were also deputized under the program. To date, there are around 46 fish wardens including women and children who serve as "informers" of violators. Linkages and partnerships have been forged with different government organizations, non-government organizations, and the local businessmen alike.

SCRM adheres to the principle of participatory democracy. Decision-making is through consensus based on the belief that everyone has the responsibility to manage the resource base and therefore accountable for its proper management. Gender sensitivity is also incorporated in the concept of the project.

The project was able to conduct rehabilitation activities in the two barangays including reforestation of eight hectares of mangrove areas in Barangay Lapinig alone. This inspired other nearby communities to follow suit. They also embarked on constructing and installing artificial reefs to assist rehabilitation in areas with poor coral reef conditions. Further, a 10-hectare marine sanctuary had been declared in Barangay Lapinig. This prompted the provision of alternative livelihood for the fisherfolks such as Guso farming and fisherfolk vegetable garden, in addition to the designation of fishing grounds.