Tawi-Tawi to replicate Cebu's coastal resource mg't practices

With the goal of coming up with a simple plan of action on how to best manage their coastal and fisheries resources and ultimately improve the economic status of the fisherfolks in their communities, representatives of USAid ECOFISH-supported LGUs in Tawi-tawi province recently visited former Coastal Resource Management Project (CRMP) sites in southeastern Cebu municipalities of Oslob, Boljoon, Dalaguete and Argao for an in-site training/study tour.

Led by the wife of Tawi-Tawi Governor Nurbert Sahali, Annabelle Catong-Sahali and Tandubas municipality mayor, Hja. Sitti Rahiema Salih, the ‘Muslim Mindanao’ representatives gained insights from the town’s best practices on Coastal Resource Management and hopes to replicate it in their respective communities.

Among those best practices showcased are the complete registration of fishers and boats in Oslob, Boljoon’s effective information/education/communication (IEC) campaign, the importance of collaborating with other municipalities with the council called the Southeast Cebu Coastal Resource Management Council (SCCRMC), the ‘from ridge to reef’ system and the implementation of Solid Waste Management regulations in Dalaguete and Argao's coastal law enforcement endeavors, marine protected areas and alternative livelihood. The experiential learning also gave them a chance to link with their counterparts in the municipalities of Cebu province.

"We are thankful for the opportunity given to us by ECOFISH project. we are excited to explore places like this which opened our eyes to new possibilities and management schemes in terms of CRM, fisheries and agriculture, through the programs that are in these municipalities. thank you very much for the beautiful programs and projects that have been witnessed by us which inspired us. When we go back to our province, we will be planning and working on all the things that we have learned and realized," said the first lady of TawiTawi province, Annabelle Catong-Sahali.

The in-training and study tour culminated with a workshop planning and a discussion on enterprise and livelihood activities and opportunities with the Cebu City and Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

In her message to the Tawi-Tawi representatives, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Teresa Chan stressed the importance of peace and stability for development to take root and flourish and further noted that safer and more peaceful travel destinations are trying to get a share of the pie. She encouraged and suggested on an image-building strategy for the province like what Cebu did in the past.

“Now knowing what Tawi-Tawi can offer, I am optimistic that with your proactive kind of government leaders under your governor’s passionate leadership that negative perception can eventually be eliminated. Maybe, if I may suggest, a similar promotion and image building strategy like what Cebu did in the past can be considered. This image building will not only promote tourism but bring about economic progress as well. Of course this image-building strategy should be coupled with the community’s cooperation and coordination to maintain peace and order. It should be everybody’s goal, led by the government’s leaders. These essential conditions can contribute to eradicating poverty and ensuring well-being for all. As stability and peace are essential enablers of sustainable development, violence is one of its greatest obstacles. With your newly-renovated and expanded Sangasanga airport which can now accommodate bigger aircrafts thus more effectively linking you with your market, we are certain that economic boom is sure to come to Tawi-tawi. Tawi-tawi will be the next economic miracle in the south. We will always be here. You are going to arrive soon." Teresa Chan said in closing her message to the participants.

USAID-ECOFISH Project works on conserving biological diversity, enhancing ecosystem productivity and restoring the profitability of fisheries in eight Marine Key Biodiversity Areas (MKBAs) namely Lingayen Gulf, Verde Island Passage, Calamianes Island Group, Ticao-San Bernardino-Lagonoy Gulf, Danajon Reef, South Negros Island, Surigao del Sur and del Norte, and Sulu Archipelago.