Talim Bay Coastal Resources Management Project

      Talim bay’s local fishers,  Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Municipality of Lian, Batangas (reprsented by Municipal Mayor Isagani Bolompo), conservation advocates and the De La Salle University-Manila (represented  by  Br. Raymundo Suplido, DLSU President) through its Center for Social Concern and Action and the Br. Shields Ocean Research Center push to sustain biodiversity conservation initiatives with  the renewal   of   partnership   and  signing  of a Memorandum of Understanding  (MOU) on Sept. 23, 2019 in Matabungkay,  Lian, Batangas.   

      During the MOU signing, local fishers  were represented  by the  leaders of  LGU of Brgy. Lumaniag, Lian, Batangas and of  local peoples’ organizations  like Lian Fisherfolk  Association, Inc. and the Samahan ng mga Mandaragat sa Sulok at Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Binubusan.

      While maintaining  Talim bay’s biodiversity remains a challenge for  conservation advocates  and the fishing community given the concerns on coral reef bleaching  and limited  fish catch  in  Talim bay areas declared as marine protected ,  stakeholders commit to take a closer look at establishing  their version of a Marine Protected Area, designed to protect the municipal coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forest and help ensure the integrity of these ecosystems. The operative word is to sustainably utilize resources through regulation and peoples’ participation.

      To date, one coastal community in Talim Bay continues operation of its community based-ecotourism activity as alternative source of income for fishers.  Also, stakeholders pursue initiatives to help keep Talim bay's health, sustain peoples’ participation through continued  capacity building  activities and facilitate the  conduct of  relevant  services  with the community, among others.

      Moreover, De La Salle-Red Cross Youth, the DLSU-Lasallian Scholar’s Society, Sagip Bayan Foundation, Inc. and DLSU-COSCA through its Lasallian Health Education, Accessible Resources and Training Services component facilitated the conduct of a Medical Mission  last July 27, 2019.  Approximately 180 household members of  fishers in the coastal communities of Lian, Batangas received health services during the mission through medical check-up and provision of medicine supplies.