The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, and Rare Philippines successfully spearheaded a three-day Coastal Zoning and Managed Access and Reserve (MA+R) Workshop from July 29–31, to promote science-based and participatory coastal and fisheries management.
The workshop gathered local government officials, community stakeholders, fisherfolk representatives, and partner agencies to design strategies for protecting marine resources while ensuring sustainable livelihood for fishing communities. The event was facilitated by the City Agriculture Office and CENRO staff, led by Acting CENR Officer Albino Orbecido.
The first day of the workshop focused on setting the context and key concepts, with sessions led by BFAR IX, MinDA, and DENR IX-PENRO. Presentations included the results of FishMARK and MEAT 2023, discussions on landscape and seascape conservation, and mapping the coast for sustainable management. On the second day, participants engaged in zoning and mapping activities, including the Zoning/MA+R Design 6-Step Process, evaluation of existing Marine Protected Areas, and mapping of current uses of coastal areas.
The third day was dedicated to reporting, planning, and roll-out, during which participants presented their proposed area uses, identified policy and regulatory needs, and finalized goal statements and eligibility requirements. The workshop concluded with action planning and a synthesis session facilitated by MinDA, with support from DENR IX and the City Government of Isabela.
The workshop provided an avenue for fisherfolk and community members to address the challenges they face in fishing and contributed to the development of updated coastal zoning and mapping initiatives. Resource speakers also shared sustainable practices that could be adopted in Isabela, emphasizing the city’s abundant coastal resources and biodiversity.
The event featured resource speakers who provided valuable technical insights, including BFAR IX OIC City Fishery Officer Robert Aporado, Assistant Professor I and Program Adviser for BS Marine Biology at ZSCMST Annie Gonzalez, DENR IX-PENRO Chief CDS Georgina Fernandez, former Rare Philippines representative Jappy Toledo Silapan, Engr. Christian Kier Alberto of MinDA and Norijan Abdulgapal, Aquaculturist I of LGU-Isabela.
Representatives from the City Tourism Office, DILG-Isabela City FOU, LEDIPO, City Planning and Development Office, Coast Guard Station Isabela, fisherfolk organizations, and the youth sector also participated in the event. (Words by S. Angging, CIO/Photos by A. Puti, IsaTV)
