On March 10, the Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG) Center of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) extended technical assistance to the Local Government Unit of Infanta for the development of a potential livelihood program for their Bantay Dagat under the Environmental Justice and Sectoral Reform Project 3 (EJSRP 3), a partnership between SLSU and Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc.
The SLSU IEG center assembled a team of experts in aquasilviculture and mangrove management, including Dr. Delia R. Babilonia, consultant and project leader of SLSU Aquasilviculture (Alabat), Dr. Felino J. Gutierrez, Jr., IEG Management Committee member with expertise in community-based mangrove management, For. Eraldwin A. Dimailig, IEG trainers and mangrove expert, and Ms. Arceli R. Obmerga, SLSU IEG Coordinator. The team was warmly welcomed by Mr. Carmelo Francia, Municipal Agriculturist of LGU Infanta, along with their Bantay Dagat personnels.
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LGU Infanta is one of the municipalities benefiting from the EJSRP 3 project. As part of their Area Specific Action Plan, Mr. Francia emphasized the need to create livelihood opportunities for Bantay Dagat personnel, who play a vital role in protecting marine resources. He sought assistance in exploring potential aquasilviculture and mangrove enhancement initiatives to support their efforts.
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The SLSU team led by Dr. Babilonia conducted site identification and an on-site assessment of target areas to evaluate the feasibility of aquasilviculture development. Aquasilviculture, an integrated approach combining aquaculture and mangrove conservation. During the assessment, Dr. Babilonia outlined the basic qualifications and requirements for selecting an appropriate aquasilviculture site. The team also identified potential capability-building and training to equip the community with the necessary skills for aquasilviculture, which could serve as an additional source of income.
By: JDMerjudio