18/01/2025
Mangrove Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Management Seminar and Deputation of Samahang Mangingisdang Matiyaga (SAMAMA) as Environmental Natural Resources Officers
From January 15-17, 2025, Sablayan took a significant step toward preserving its coastal ecosystems through a transformative three-day training program. Hosted at the Barangay Poblacion Hall, the seminar was organized by the LGU Tourism Office's Policy, Planning, and Development and Regulations and Institutional Development Sections in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its Park Area Management Office, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Barangay Poblacion Tourism Council (BTC Poblacion), Blue Water Consultancy, Department of Tourism (MIMAROPA), the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), and the Mayor’s Office (MO).
The seminar aimed to empower the Samahang Mangingisdang Matiyaga (SAMAMA), who are the beneficiaries and co-managers of the Pinagpalang Lagusan sa Bakawanan Project, by deputizing them as Environmental Natural Resources Officers (ENROs). This initiative equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to protect and manage the Pinagpala Mangroves, a critical component of Sablayan’s coastal ecosystem.
WWF under Project Buhay headed by Ms.Melody Melo-Rijk , Project Manager, played a vital role in sponsoring the financial logistics of the seminar, with Mr. Romer Imperial (Community Coordinator) serving as the contact person for the initiative. The organization also provided Mariel Joy M. Samar as a speaker to share insights on the importance of mangroves in coastal protection and the economic benefits of ecotourism for local communities. DENR-CENRO and MENRO experts, led by For. Anastacio Santos and Sir Robert P. Duquil, educated participants on key topics such as the importance of mangrove ecosystems, their role in coastal protection, identification and classification of mangrove species, General Ordinance No. 2024, and CO022 Result of PASA.
As well as mangrove conservation best practices, including the threats to mangrove ecosystems, strategies for protection, and the role of the community in conservation efforts. Local mangrove conservation initiatives were introduced, with an overview of Sablayan’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Program and the Pinagpala Mangroves Conservation Area. Sir Duquil and Mr. Joselito Tiongson from MENRO discussed the objectives of the Pinagpala Mangroves Conservation Area and the legal framework for deputation and environmental laws, ensuring that participants were well-prepared for their roles as Mangrove ENROs.
Crucial modules on apprehension and documentation procedures were also part of the seminar. Participants were trained on how to handle violations, document evidence, and address environmental offenses under significant environmental laws such as PD 705, RA 9147, and RA 9175. Experts from DENR-CENRO, including Forester Carl Emmanuel A. Urieta, led discussions on case filing, legal proceedings, and environmental protection measures, including regulations on wildlife conservation and chainsaw use. Foresters Renchel Kaye L. Lopez, April D. Amores-Castro, and ECOMS I Herold S. Castro played key roles in these educational sessions.
Blue Water Consultancy, led by Mrs. Chen Mencias, the provincial and Sablayan tourism consultant, provided invaluable guidance on sustainable ecotourism practices. The discussions focused on harmonizing tourism with conservation efforts and creating eco-friendly livelihoods through responsible tourism management. The seminar also highlighted successful community-based ecotourism initiatives, such as those in Suyac and Palaui, which have earned ASEAN Tourism Awards for their exemplary sustainable practices. It was an honor once again to have Mrs. Mencias share her expertise with all participants, further reinforcing the importance of integrating sustainable practices into tourism development.
Collaboration with the Barangay Poblacion (BLGU), headed by Capt. Asther Dela Cruz, Councilor Lee Silva (committee chairperson on Tourism), and Councilor Cristina Bundang (Committee Chair on Health and Sanitation), ensured that the training took place in a well-equipped venue, providing essential logistical support such as Wi-Fi, sound systems, and well-served meals, creating a conducive learning environment.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) MIMAROPA also played an essential role by aligning the seminar with sustainable tourism goals. t was an honor to have Regional Director Roberto P. Alabado III deliver an inspiring message via Zoom, emphasizing the importance of community-led conservation and the role of sustainable ecotourism in preserving Sablayan’s natural resources. DOT MIMAROPA’s support included providing binoculars and survival kits, which were previously used to support the ongoing Tourism Champions Challenge, where Sablayan won 2nd place in April 2024, earning a ₱20 million grant.
A major highlight of the seminar was the Deputation Oath-Taking and Awarding Ceremony, where SAMAMA members were officially deputized as Mangrove ENROs. With the strong support of CENRO Forester Anastacio Santos, who led the oath, the ceremony granted the SAMAMA members the authority and responsibility to protect and conserve the Pinagpala Mangroves. The event was further supported by the successful biodiversity-friendly enterprise grant of nearly ₱1 million, spearheaded by CENRO Santos, the Park Area Management Office led by Krystal Dayne Villanada, and MENRO headed by Robert P. Duquil.
On behalf of the LGU Mayor’s Office and Tourism, the three-day seminar commenced with opening remarks from Aubrey R. Bautista (Policy Planning and Development Section Head, Main Author, and Focal Person for the TCC Grant), followed by a welcome address from Municipal Administrator Norman A. Novio and Mrs. Sylvia T. Salgado (Senior Tourism Operations Officer and head of the Tourism Office). The closing remarks were delivered by Sir Fernando Dalangin (former MENRO and Executive Assistant at the Mayor’s Office), representing Mayor Walter B. Marquez, who expressed his full support for the deputation process and the successful ₱1 million LGU counterpart for the project.
Additionally, MPDC Mayette Vanessa Sonio provided Zoom assistance and technical guidance, with Ms. Jenielyn Villas (former Project Development Officer, co-author, and co-focal person for the TCC Grant, now the Economist III), along with the tourism workforce primarily from policy, planning and product development, regulations, and institutional development and administrative support services, provided essential and foundational support throughout the seminar.
This seminar represents a significant milestone in Sablayan’s commitment to ecological stewardship, reinforcing the importance of community-based conservation efforts in preserving the coastal ecosystems. Through collaboration between local government units, non-government organizations, and the community, Sablayan is charting a path toward lasting environmental protection and sustainable tourism. This initiative ensures that Sablayan’s coastal areas will continue to thrive, preserving their ecological integrity for future generations.
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