Coron, Palawan —— Four significant conservation-related agreements were renewed and signed in Coron, Palawan, reaffirming more than a decade of collaborative conservation partnerships that have contributed to the recovery and increased biological productivity of critical marine ecosystems in the coastal barangays of Bulalacao and Marcilla.
The agreements reinforce a shared commitment among local communities, government agencies, people's organizations, and private sector partners to sustain conservation gains that continue to support fisheries productivity, food security, and livelihood opportunities for coastal residents.
The agreements signed and renewed include:
1. Hapag Katutubo–Biyayang Dagat Memorandum of Agreement
A Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the Bulalacao Tagbanua Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) under the Hapag Katutubo–Biyayang Dagat initiative. The partnership seeks to strengthen indigenous community participation in marine and coastal conservation while advancing food security and sustainable resource management within ancestral domains.
2. Conservation Agreement with Private Sector Partners
A Conservation Agreement was renewed with partner resorts and a pearl farm operating in Bulalacao. The agreement aims to support the long-term sustainability of community-led management of the Bulalacao Marine Protected Area (MPA), which has demonstrated remarkable ecological recovery after years of degradation caused by destructive and illegal fishing practices. Continued private sector participation provides vital support for conservation enforcement, monitoring, and community stewardship initiatives.
3. Conservation Agreement for the Bulalacao Marine Protected Area
Another Conservation Agreement was renewed with the partner fisher organization, cooperative, and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Bulalacao. The partnership continues to strengthen local governance mechanisms and community engagement in protecting and managing marine resources, ensuring that conservation benefits translate into improved livelihoods and food security for present and future generations.
4. Conservation Agreement for the Marcilla Marine Protected Area
A Conservation Agreement was likewise renewed with the partner fisher organization and the Barangay Local Government Unit of Marcilla for the management and protection of the more than 7,200-hectare Marine Protected Area established in 2016. The agreement sustains collaborative efforts in habitat protection, fisheries management, and biodiversity conservation within one of Coron’s important coastal ecosystems.
Over the years, the Marine Protected Areas of Bulalacao and Marcilla have become recognized examples of effective multi-sectoral conservation partnerships. Both sites have received local and national citations and commendations for their achievements in marine resource management, biodiversity conservation, and community-based governance.
The success of these conservation initiatives has been made possible through the collective efforts of local communities and partner institutions, including the Local Government of Coron, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Since the partnerships began in 2012, sustained collaboration among stakeholders has helped restore marine habitats, enhance fish populations, improve ecosystem resilience, and generate tangible benefits for coastal communities. The renewal and signing of these agreements underscore a continuing commitment to protecting marine resources while fostering sustainable development and food security for the people of Coron.
