TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 2
institutionalizing ICM in Romblon while providing a framework for
further ICM development.
PEMSEA is pleased to have taken part in the inaugural meeting of
the Romblon Sustainable Development Council (RSDC), chaired by
Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo, on 15 March 2018. Attending,
along with PEMSEA, was the Chair of the Romblon Provincial
Council’s Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources,
representatives of Congressman Emmanuel Madrona of the Lone
District of Romblon, the National Commission for Indigenous
People, Romblon State University, and PGENRO.
Governor Firmalo emphasized his belief in the importance of the
sea for Romblon, noting its value as a source of food and livelihood
for the province, and his opinion that the RSDC’s integrated focus is
necessary in order to account for the interconnectivity of land and
sea. He assigned Mr. Andrew Fondevilla, Chair of the Committee
on Environment and Natural Resources of the Romblon Provincial
Council, as co-chair of the RSDC. In order to institutionalize the
RSDC and establish a long-term basis for its continuation, attendees
decided to formally establish the RSDC through executive order.
Integration work to take place under the RSDC includes
designating focal individuals who can coordinate municipal
work. A critical part of this cooperation will be data sharing and
consolidation. Despite a provincial survey in 2011 and individual
maintenance of marine protected areas (MPAs) by various
municipalities, those at the RSDC meeting lacked the ability to
provide a complete assessment of Romblon’s coral reefs. This is due
Aglicay Beach Resort,
Tablas Island, Romblon
Credit: TEDDY PELAEZ
Governor Firmalo emphasized his belief in the importance of the sea for Romblon,
noting its value as a source of food and livelihood for the province, and his opinion that
the RSDC’s integrated focus is necessary in order to account for the interconnectivity of
land and sea.
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