Kapihan sa Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) radio show took place last November 26, 2024 at Catbangen, San Fernando City. A guesting attended by Mr. Noel C. Barut (Deputy Chief of Party/Marine Specialist USAID INSPIRE Project), Ms. Corazon P. Sajonas (Deputy Director Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc.), and Mr. Francis Greg A. Buccat (Agricultural Center Chief II/OIC-PFO, La Union Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The topic of the program was “Guardians of the Sea: Strengthening Governance and Collaboration for a Sustainable West Philippine Sea.” This discussion aligned with the initiatives of the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Gerry Roxas Foundation, and partner NGOs under the INSPIRE Project. The project focuses on enhancing good governance and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration in managing Fishery Management Area 6, which covers Regions 1, 3, 4A, 4B, NCR, and CAR.
The program opened with presentations detailing the roles of various stakeholders in managing and implementing policies for the project. Brief overviews of initiatives, activities, and background information were also shared. The discussion highlighted the project’s aim of conserving and protecting the environment, importance of partnerships and open communication with NGOs working in marine and coastal areas, as well as with academic institutions for information dissemination and raising public awareness among stakeholders.
Before the closing of the program, Ms. Corazon Sajonas of JVOFI reiterated the goal of the project is to secure a sustainable environment not for individual benefit but for future generations. Mr. Francis Greg A. Buccat from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also assured the public that ongoing issues in the West Philippine Sea would not hinder project implementation as they are maintaining open communication with the government on related matters.
Currently, with the support of its partners, the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI), is expanding its advocacy efforts in La Union’s municipalities. The foundation aims to protect natural resources through capacity-building training, promoting behavioral change, and developing eco-enterprises to provide supplemental income for communities.
