DMMMSU joined efforts with various government agencies, civil society organizations and other cause-oriented groups in convening the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Summit dubbed as “TUGON NG LOKAL AT SAMBAYANAN: BUHAY AT KABUHAYAN, Isang Pagsasama-sama para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas” on August 2-4, 2023 at Midas Hotel, Pasay City.
The summit aimed to increase awareness among the general public on the value of protecting and sustainable management of the vast coastal and marine resources of the WPS. It further emphasized the collective and continuing engagement of stakeholders in promoting and attaining sovereignty, environmental governance, resource management, economic prosperity and constituency-building among others in the WPS.
WPS accounts for roughly one-third of Philippine waters and hosts a wealth of the country’s coastal and marine resources. Dr. Fernando P. Siringan of the Marine UP-Marine Science Institute underscored that “one-third of all corals in the Philippines are located here [WPS]. This is where fish spawn and multiply. Coral reefs also serve as buffers against storms. We need to keep these reefs healthy to protect our islands and livelihoods”.
Convenors shared their programs, projects and activities implemented along the WPS including enforcement, livelihood, capacity-building and education among others. Representing the Institute of Environmental Governance (IEGs), Mr. Celso H. Jucutan of DMMMSU discussed the various environmental initiatives of state universities and colleges along the WPS such as environmental governance trainings, mangrove enhancements, agroforestry activities, fabrication of fiberglass reinforced plastic patrol boats, and clean-ups.
Summit participants were enjoined in several workshops identifying their understanding of the WPS and its underlying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; the vision for WPS; the local coastal and marine resources as well as the challenges confronting these resources; and the initiatives that can be implemented to address the identified challenges.
The summit concluded with the presentation of plan of action per thematic area. A Commitment to promote and ensure safety, prosperity and sustainability in the WPS was also signed by the participants including the international partner organizations.
The WPS Summit was made successful through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as Lead Convenor, together with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Justice (DOJ), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the state colleges and universities along the West Philippine Sea with support from RESTORE-WPS Project implemented by Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc., Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity Oceans and Landscape (SIBOL), INSPIRE Project, IMPL Philippines, Fish Right Project, Gerry Roxas Foundation and the USAID. (By CHJ)
