The University of the Philippines Visayas’ (UPV) Capacity Building, Policy Review, and Innovative Legislation Toward Coastline Protection and Development for a Sustainable Future, also known as the UPV Coastline Protection and Development Program, held a dialogue with the private sector last June 26, 2024 at Sam’s 21 Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Participating private organizations included Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Iloilo Business Club, Green Forum Western Visayas, Boracay Foundation Inc., Guimbal Resorts Association, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, More Electric and Power Corp., Visayas Container Terminal, and Iloilo Hotel, Restaurants, and Resorts Association.
The dialogue aimed to learn more about the existing initiatives of various private organizations concerning coastline protection, resilience, and sustainable development.
Dr. Ronnie Estrellada from Semirara Mining and Power Corporation made a presentation on the Semirara marine hatchery, which is now home to eight endangered giant clams. Mr. Miguel Labatiao talked about Boracay Foundation Inc.’s sustainable tourism practices, the reality of coastal erosion on the island, and their coral reef rehabilitation efforts. Meanwhile, Ms. Myla Escobar shared about the challenges faced by resort owners along the Guimbal coastline.
The event explored more possible ways to protect Philippine coasts during the open forum moderated by Prof. Jorge S. Ebay, a Community Development professor at the Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, UPV. Prof. Jessica Dator-Bercilla presented her synthesis after the open forum.
Dr. Ramer Bautista, Program Leader, presented the rationale of the program and its objectives. As the Philippines has the 5th longest coastline in the world and because 62% of its total population reside along the coasts, there is a need to prepare against potential risks that include storm surges, coastal erosion, coastal flooding, typhoons, and cyclones, among others.
Through the Program, which is funded by Sen. Pia Cayetano, the team hopes to assist in the creation of a holistic national policy to protect Philippine coastlines. It is slated to hold the national stakeholders meeting in August 2024.
Present during the activity were Chancellor Clement C. Camposano; Vice Chancellor for Administration Farisal U. Bagsit; Prof. Pepito Fernandez Jr., Project Development Assistant for Coastline Protection and Development for a Sustainable Future Program and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Sheila Santander-De Leon, former Director of the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UPV, among others.
