The Provincial Caravan on the West Philippine Sea was conducted at the MMSU to cascade and finalize the action plans of the various local government units of Ilocos Norte on the conservation and protection of WPS.

The MMSU Institute of Environmental Governance (MMSU-IEG), in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), and City Government of Batac, hosted the Provincial Caravan on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) today, August 19, at the Teatro Ilocandia.

The Provincial Caravan titled, “Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” aims to cascade and finalize the action plans of the various local government units of Ilocos Norte on the conservation and protection of the WPS. These plans were initially crafted during the National Summit held in August 2023.

During the opening program, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized the University's commitment to safeguarding coastal ecosystems, stating, "We have developed our strategies to protect our coastline, including the initiation of coastal engineering research and the enhancement of coastal erosion maps." President Agrupis called on all participants to continue these vital initiatives, reinforcing the University’s role as a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

In his keynote address, Atty. Benjamin Abalos, Jr., DILG Secretary, represented by Hon. Seragin Barreto Jr., DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety, highlighted the continuous efforts of LGUs in promoting effective coastal management and environmental law enforcement. “Our action plans developed during the national summit for the WPS reflect the voices and aspirations of over 500 participants from various sectors,” he said. Furthermore, he emphasized, “Together, we can ensure that the West Philippine Sea remains our source of life for the generations to come.”

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, represented by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, encouraged the national and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to participate in this advocacy.

Meanwhile, Director Cyril Cusi, Director IV of the Strategy Formulation and Development Branch of the National Security Council, presented the National Security Policy 2023-2028, which serves as the strategic framework that will guide the country in addressing the multifaceted challenges to our security, sovereignty, and national interests. On the other hand, Asec. Lilian de Leon, DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations, provided an overview of the event's background and rationale and shared the different mechanisms of sustainability and institutionalization.

Regional Director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region I and OIC Provincial Director Atty. Gerald Gallardo of DILG Ilocos Norte presented the national and consolidated provincial action plans for the WPS.

Hon. Barreto and Vice Governor Marcos led the signing of the commitment as part of the strong commitment between national agencies and private sectors to protect the WPS. The commitment wall will also lead to the immediate implementation of the provincial action plan.

The partner agencies and institutions of this event includes the Department of Agriculture (DA), DA-BFAR, Department of National Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Transportation, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Pambansang Pangasiwaan sa Kabuhayan at Pagpapaunlad, Cooperative Development Authority, Maritime Police, Technical Education, and Skills Development Authority, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, state universities and colleges including Batanes State College, University of Northern Philippines, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Pangasinan State University, Central Luzon State University, University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, Western Philippine University, and MMSU; and local government offices in Ilocos Norte.

LGUs and NGA partners were also recognized for their continuous dedication and involvement in the event. A learning visit is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20.