A MEMORANDUM of Agreement (MOA) was recently signed to strengthen and revitalize the network of management for the protection of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the island–province of Guimaras. The network is the first of its kind in Region-6, if not in the Philippines. The MOA was signed by represenatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Offices-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO), Local Government Officials of five (5) municipalities in Guimaras (Buenavista, Jordan, San Lorenzo, Nueva Valencia and Sibunag), National Government Agency heads, chairpersons of Peoples Organizations (POs), participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and partner agencies. The signing was pursuant to the implementation of the Coastal and Marine-Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) which solidified the commitment of the parties involved to comprehensively manage, address and effectively reduce the drivers and threats of degradation of the coastal and marine ecosystems in Guimaras. It also aims to achieve and promote sustainability of ecosystem services, food security and climate change resiliency.

Signing of Guimaras Alliance of Protected Areas and Sanctuaries a first of its kind. (2017, April 18). Panay News, p. B2.