RESOURCE PROTECTION

San Juan Fisherfolk Strengthen MPA Governance, Push for Local Fisheries Adjudication Board

By Mary Ruth Ochavillo. Posted on JULY 02, 2025.

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San Juan, Siquijor – On April 2, 2025, recognized fisherfolk associations managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in San Juan gathered to review and provide inputs on the proposed establishment of a Municipal Administrative Adjudication Board. The proposed body aims to hear and administratively adjudicate violations of fisheries laws and ordinances within the municipality’s jurisdiction.
 
Deliberations and Resolution Drafting
Key aspects discussed during the activity included the composition, mandate, and location of the proposed marine management committee. The draft resolution—developed through participatory consultation—is set to be endorsed to the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and the relevant committee, before being presented to the Sangguniang Bayan for its first and second readings. This process will culminate in a public hearing, followed by the issuance of an Executive Order formalizing the composition of the adjudication board.

Strengthening Marine Protected Area Management
In parallel, participants and facilitators exchanged updates on the current status, progress, and future plans of San Juan’s MPAs. Discussions highlighted:
  • The structure and rates of MPA user fees
  • The scope and management of each MPA
  • Revenue-sharing mechanisms among stakeholders
  • Penalties imposed for ordinance violations
The group also reviewed the findings of the recent biophysical assessment and the 2024 Management Effectiveness Assessment Tool (MEAT) evaluation for the Maite Marine Sanctuary, conducted by the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF).
 
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
The activity was made possible through the joint efforts of the Local Government Unit of San Juan, Siquijor Province Coastal Resource Management Alliance, Coral Reef and Rainforest Conservation Project, DA-BFAR Siquijor Provincial Fishery Office, Wildlife Conservation Society, Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the AFOS Foundation, through the FISH Visayas Project.Actively participating fisherfolk associations included:
  • Maite Resources Development Association
  • Lamogan Fisherfolks Association
  • Tubod Fisherfolks Association
  • Ilak Fisherfolks Association
  • Buluhisan Fisherfolks Association
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This initiative on MPA MEAT validation and the review of the proposed Municipal Administrative Adjudication Board contributes to Result Area 4: Resource Protection of the FISH Visayas Project.

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