In a significant display of collective action, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur (PGIS), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Tanggol Kalikasan Inc., alongside national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), academic institutions, and civil society organizations, recently gathered to support the Provincial Action Plan to protect and uplift maritime resources and national sovereignty.

The event, themed “Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon Para Sa Kaunlarang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” took place on August 28, 2024 at the Provincial Farmer’s Livelihood Development Center in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Mrs. Anna Liza Europa-Morales, IEG Coordinator from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), acknowledged the diverse array of attendees at the West Philippine Sea Caravan. Local chief executives from provincial, city, and municipal levels actively participated, joined by representatives from various government agencies including DILG, DND, DA-BFAR, DA-NFRDI, DENR-BMB, DENR-NAMRIA, DOE, DOJ, PCG, PNP-MG, NEDA, CDA, PCSD, UP-MSI, DOH, DTI, DOTR, DOT, DICT, and DOST.

The event also saw participation from provincial and municipal officers in the environment, agriculture, and planning sectors, as well as Institutes of Environmental Governance from several state universities.

Dr. Erwin Cadorna, UNP President, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the significance of the West Philippine Sea. “As citizens of this great nation, we recognize that our sovereignty is not merely a concept; it is a vital part of our identity, our heritage, and our future,” Cadorna stated. He stressed the importance of public awareness and advocacy, urging attendees to educate themselves and their communities about the West Philippine Sea’s significance for the economy and national security.

Hon. Bonito Singson, Mayor of Vigan City, provided an inspiring message on the protection of maritime resources and national sovereignty. “I hope we will have a very productive discussion on these issues, and it is proper for our citizens and officials to be updated so that we can muster our efforts to solidify our position on issues in the West Philippine Sea,” Mayor Singson remarked.

The event featured several key presentations. Mr. Cyril Cusi, Director of the Strategy Formulation and Development Branch, National Security Council, presented the National Security Policy 2023-2028, noting that “national security provides the general statement of principles on where we want to go as a nation.”

ASEC. Lilian M. de Leon, Assistant Secretary for International Relations, Department of the Interior and Local Government outlined the objectives of the caravan. “The primary objective of the Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon Para Sa Kaunlarang Dagat ng Pilipinas, or the provincial caravan, is to popularize, validate, enhance, implement, and institutionalize the provincial action plan,” De Leon explained. She emphasized that a key goal was to secure the political commitment of local chief executives.

Atty. Girly Dela Peña, Chief Training Superintendent of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Region 1, presented the National Action Plan for the West Philippine Sea. The plan focuses on several key areas, including science & academe, tourism, policy, law enforcement, environment and conservation, and livelihood and aquaculture, with various government agencies assigned to each sector.

Mr. Randy Dela Rosa, Provincial Director of DILG Ilocos Sur, detailed the Provincial Action Plan, highlighting local strategies and commitments accomplished in the previous year. These included the construction of sea walls, mangrove planting and rehabilitation, aquaculture production, provision of alternative livelihoods, ecotourism development, intensified marine conservation and surveillance operations, capacity building for Bantay Dagat, delineation of municipal waters, strengthening of AFP reserve forces, and improved coordination among LGUs.

A crucial part of the event was a workshop where participants were grouped into clusters to collaboratively discuss strategies and actions for protecting maritime resources and national sovereignty. The workshop aimed to implement and operationalize the action plans to protect and uplift the West Philippine Sea on a provincial scale.

SPM Christopher Baterina, Chair of the Committee on Environment, presented proposals for developing the ecotourism sector, including the promotion of sports fishing and the establishment of oyster and seashell hatcheries.

Asec. Lilian De Leon later discussed mechanisms to sustain and institutionalize the provincial action plan, including ordinance templates, incorporation into development plans, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and the establishment of a WPS Hub.

Gov. Jeremias Singson presented the outputs from the workshop, revealing a three-sector categorized provincial action plan focusing on governance, economic development and infrastructure, and sustainability. “When every sector participates in safeguarding our sole right over the West Philippine Sea, we enhance our comparative advantage over the aquatic and energy resources of the West Philippine Sea,” Gov. Singson stated, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the effort.

The event also saw the launch of “Gawad Bayaning Aksiyon,” a competition recognizing outstanding local governments in Ilocos Sur for implementing actions under the plan for development of the West Philippine Sea. Atty. Ma. Ronely Bisquera-Sheen, Managing Director of Tanggol Kalikasan Inc., explained that the award aims to acknowledge the diligence and dedication in protecting the seas for the development of Ilocos Sur’s citizens.

As a result of this gathering, participants committed to forming a WPS province-wide council that would spearhead the implementation and operations of the action plans. This marks a crucial step in collaborative efforts to protect and develop the West Philippine Sea, involving multiple stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society.

The event was also attended by SPM Rambo Rafanan, SPM Third Ranches, SPM Art Oandasan, Mr. Marlon Tagorda (Provincial Administrator), and Dr. Fatima Rocamora (UNP Vice President for Research & Extension), along with local chief executives of different municipalities and representatives from national and local government agencies.

Article by Bianca Pajaro. Photos by Noelle Jnyx Tacas.