Workshop on Local Economic Development Prioritization

A workshop prioritization of economic driver was conducted for the Northeastern Iloilo (BBBRMCI and NIACDEV) Economic Growth Corridor last November 4-5, 2011 at Marbuena Island Resort, Ajuy, Iloilo. The 2 day workshop was participated by planning officers, agriculturist, fishery and environment and tourism officers. Also present were representatives from the academe and the private sector. Three sectors were identified during the workshop; fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Ecotourism was finally identified as the top most economic driver for the growth corridor. This will be the basis for the next step which will be the Value Chain Analysis Workshop and later the Strategic Planning Workshop for the two alliances.

Green Mussel Project reviving this year

The green mussel project was started in Banate Bay area in early 90's. This gained support from the JICA in 2008 using bamboo stakes and wigwam method. Though the project was seen as successful in 2009, harvest results were poor due to effect of global warming affecting the nearly marketable shells which caused them to fall off and die. Various measures were done by BBBRMCI to revitalize this project and was seen this early 2010. As an expansion project, the Iloilo Provincial Government and BFAR, supported the release of financial assistance to replicate the project. This year (2011) has seen the results of these efforts and the revitalization of the project. The project remained and has attracted increasing population of different species of fish and other kinds of mollusks thriving in the sheltered area. New seeds were seen in the newly constructed bamboo stakes and more breeders were placed in the area to augment the biodiversity.

Anilao Coral Garden

A Coral Garden in Anilao located in Barangay Dangulaan, Anilao was established by the LGU in December 2010. This include the transplanting of coral fragments in bamboos and concrete modules and monitoring if there is significant growth in the modules. This project is one of Anilao's best practices on Coastal Resource Management.

Marine Sanctuary proposed in Anilao

Anilao SB Council has considered the passing of an ordinance establishing a 32 hectare Sea Grass Area and 4.0 hectare Anilao Coral Garden as Marine Reserve and Sanctuary. These two (2) areas are located in Barangay Dangulaan, Anilao. Recent surveys conducted by LGU Anilao and BBBRMCI Staff indicates expanded growth of sea grass bed from 3.0 hectares to 32.0 hectares and new species were found in the neighboring sites.

The Anilao Coral Garden is a newly established study site started by students from Philippine Science High School-WV Campus and is being continued and managed by the LGU. Periodic monitoring of this garden reveals that coral fragments grow in bamboo and concrete blocks modules. The study started in December 2010 and recommended for declaration as marine reserve to protect the new growth of corals and to develop a coral colony in the municipality which has been lost for a long time. The success of this study will determine its suitability in the area and its possible replication.

Natural Heritage Mapping

Eco-tourism initiatives was started in the four municipalities thanks to Australian Business Volunteer Judi Lowe. Her stay in BBBRMCI started the identification of possible eco-tourism sites in Banate, Anilao, Barotac Nuevo and Barotac Viejo in the Province of Iloilo. BBBRMCI Staff were coached how to prepare a Natural Heritage Map and priority activities were lined-up after its approval.

Saving the lonely pawikan

Another hawks bill turtle was rescued by some responsible fishermen at Barangay San Salvador, Banate. These animals have been observed frequently in the municipal waters of Anilao and Banate these past few months indicating good supply of their food and preferred place along these municipalities' waters.

Students from Hiroshima visits BBBRMCI

Thirteen students from Hiroshima University headed by their professor Dr. Masahiro Yamao visit BBBRMCI CRM projects last August 23-24, 2011. The study tour facilitated by ICAN Foundation was a success and expose the students in various fields of fisheries and coastal management activities like mangrove planting, traditional fishing, fish processing projects and snorkeling in coral reef areas. What is remarkable with the students visit is their opportunity to live with host fishing families, interact with the household members and some members of the community in Dangulaan, Anilao.

Mayor Ma. Teresa F. Debuque and the LGU personnel from Anilao and Banate hosted the short visit and 7 host families provided accommodations for the group. BBBRMCI facilitated the whole duration of their visit.

JICA Press Team Visits BBBRMCI

December 9, 2010 - JICA Press Team composed of Manila based and local journalists visited successful projects in BBBRMCI that was implemented through the technical cooperation of JICA. With the cooperation that concluded last October, 2010, pilot projects were showcased that are worth replicating. These are the oyster culture project in Barotac Nuevo, the Artificial Reef project in Banate and Barotac Viejo area, the fish processing activities and potential areas for ecotourism like river kayaking at Tinori-an River