kaban galing - front cover - galing pook

which granted them the power to exercise management and control over
the marine sanctuaries.
After convincing the initially defiant fishers that the project would not
deprive them of their livelihood and source of income, the MPA was
successfully established in Apo Island. The process was later replicated
in the eight coastal barangays in the mainland of Dauin. A 5-year CRMP
was formulated, adopted and enforced by the municipality, along with
the formation of the MFARMC to enhance the CRM strategy. It is
composed of members from the local government, private sector
representatives and fishers.
The apprehension of illegal fishers are carried out through the
collaborative efforts of the deputized Bantay Dagat (Guardian of the
Seas) and the Police Environment Development Office.
More Than They Bargained For
Dauin’s CRM implementation is hailed and has been awarded as one
of the best practices that other coastal communities within and outside
the country can emulate. Dauin’s marine sanctuaries have been the site
for study tours conducted by other provinces and municipalities. The
marine sanctuary of Apo Island was even recently replicated and made
as a permanent exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
Dauin’s successful establishment of the MPAs is the result of a long
and tedious educational campaign to enhance conservation ethics
among the residents. To put an end to the cultural cycle of ecological
indifference, it was crucial to elicit the support of the whole community,
especially the stakeholders. To sustain the project, the community needs
to be continually informed, through public hearings or community
bulletins, about the improvements on the fishery and marine resources
that resulted from the MPAs. Moreover, the transparent and equitable
distribution of economic benefits from the MPA , especially from tourism
revenues, would encourage more support for the project and ensure its
sustainability.
Resistance to a social solution can be overcome once the benefits
to oneself and the community become clear. If the benefit is clear and
the transactions fair and transparent, support will be given. More
importantly, direct participation in management as stakeholders ensures
that the program will be valued and safeguarded.
78 Kaban Galing