Community Profiling

After the Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the concerned Barangay Captains and the LGSP, TOUCH Foundation conducted a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) to identify community needs, analyze potential problems and difficulties as well as validate and update the barangay profiles. This activity gave them valuable information about the community which helped in the design of project implementation.

Overcoming Community Resistance Through Education

At the outset, there was reluctance in the community in terms of cooperating with the Project. There was that usual notion that protecting the Bay would mean stopping their fishing activities which comprise their main source of income. In response to this, intensive information dissemination, study tours, training, ecological awareness and skills development activities were conducted. Through these, the community was able to 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.

Building Local SD Constituency

Through consistent dialogue with the community, it was realized that the existence of a viable local institutions which will manage the project is crucial in its effective implementation. With this end-in-view, a multisectoral Steering Committee (SC) chaired by the Municipal mayor was created to monitor and evaluate the project, recommend and implement approved local ordinances related to SCRM, and conduct public hearings. The SC is supported by a Technical Working Group (TWG) which also coordinates with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the coast guards for coastal monitoring and registration, among others. The SC and TWG also comprise the Balingoan LGP Project Management Team (BLPMT).

In both Lapinig and Mantangale, respective Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) with representatives from various sectors were created. Its members are mostly barangay-based individuals involved in day-to-day activities in coastal waters. They are tasked to maintain and manage the project, especially the livelihood and resource conservation activities.

Fish wardens were deputized for the Bantay Dagat. This was done in coordination with the provincial office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Capability building activities were undertaken to equip fisherfolks with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary in apprehending illegal fishery activities. Around 46 fish wardens including women and children are proud and active in their new role serving as "informers" of violators. Violators coming from other coastal communities, undergo a two-hour seminar on the Fisheries Code and SCRM, among others.

Linkages and Partnerships

All organizations that have involvement in the implementation of the activities under the SCRM are linked with each other. It is a usual practice for them to regularly hold joint meetings and activities to cultivate openness among the partners in communicating, suggesting ideas, and airing organizational and operational problems.

Linkages with local business groups engaged in resort management have also been established. Further, since Gingoog Bay is a whale shark haven, Task Force Barracuda was created to protect the whale sharks. The Whale Shark Spotters Association was also formed to help conserve and protect the Bay’s marine life and natural resources by promoting environmental awareness and monitoring whale sharks and other marine mammals in the Bay.

Observing Transparency and Participatory Approach

One of the principles adhered to by the SCRM is participatory democracy. It is a common practice that before conducting any activity, public dialogues and consultations are held to ensure maximum participation and cooperation. Decision-making is through consensus building. The role of women has been intricately integrated in the activities of the project as well as in the opportunities that stem from it.

Conservation and Rehabilitation Activities (Technology and Livelihood)

Reforestation of an initial eight hectares of mangrove area in Lapinig was done by 113 men and women volunteers led by the Barangay Captain. This encouraged the other nearby barangays to follow suit also led by their respective Barangay Captains. Through their pahino system (bayanihan), they constructed and installed some 100 artificial reef modules made of culverts and used tires in areas found to be in critical condition.

The declaration of a 10-hectare marine sanctuary in Lapinig limited fishing activities in some portions of the community’s coastal waters. Thus, an alternative livelihood had to be provided for these fisherfolks. This situation was remedied by establishing Fish Aggregating Devices or FADs. These FADs are shelters made of coconut and palm leaves attached to about 10 meters underwater from the base of the FAD that serve as breeding ground and harborage for fish. These FADs lessened the pressure of fishing activities in the shallow portions of the coastal area while serving as an alternative fishing grounds by maximizing fish catch especially for fisherfolks who do not own pumpboats. At least six FADS have been constructed and installed by the community and its partners including a private beach resort that lent motorized boats to haul the FADs from the coast to the main sea at 26-30 fathoms deep.