Leaders and representatives from national and local government units, academic institutions, and non-government organizations converged at Western Philippines University (WPU), Puerto Princesa City, on May 2–3, 2024, for the Palawan Provincial Caravan on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) — themed “Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas.”
The event served as a regional extension of the 2023 WPS National Summit held in Pasay City, designed to popularize, validate, and enhance the Provincial Action Plan for the protection and sustainable management of the WPS. The two-day program resulted in the finalization of Palawan’s Provincial Action Plan and a unified Pledge of Commitment among stakeholders to ensure its implementation, sustainability, and institutionalization.
Strengthening Commitment to Protect the WPS
The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Amabel S. Liao, President of Western Philippines University, who reaffirmed the University’s dedication to marine research and governance initiatives. She expressed gratitude for WPU’s recognition as a key academic partner in WPS planning and pledged the university’s continued support for evidence-based policymaking and community collaboration.
Palawan Governor Victorino Dennis M. Socrates emphasized the importance of safeguarding the WPS to ensure food security, public health, and the conservation of natural resources, underscoring the need for collective action among national agencies, LGUs, and civil society.
Following this, DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian M. De Leon traced the roots of the initiative to the National Summit and explained that the Palawan Caravan aimed to validate and refine existing provincial action plans crafted during that event.
Collaborative Planning and Validation
Participants engaged in workshops led by WPU’s Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), UP Marine Science Institute (UPMSI), and Tanggol Kalikasan (TK). These sessions provided updates on the National Action Plan for the WPS and guided the validation of the consolidated Provincial Action Plan for Palawan.
Local government officials, fisherfolk representatives, NGOs, and academics participated in breakout groups to assess strengths, challenges, and opportunities in WPS management. The outputs from these consultations were integrated into the updated action plan, reinforcing a whole-of-nation approach to protecting the WPS.
Unified Action and Institutionalization
Messages of support from Undersecretary Marlo Iringan (DILG), DENR, DA-NFRDI, and other agencies emphasized the alignment of WPS efforts with the Bagong Pilipinas governance framework. Board Member Ryan Maminta presented the final version of the Provincial Action Plan, which covered four key areas: infrastructure, governance, socio-economic development, and the biophysical environment.
To ensure sustainability, Asec. De Leon introduced institutionalization mechanisms such as the creation of a Provincial WPS Council, integration of the plan into local development agendas, and consistent LGU reporting to the DILG.
Participants from various sectors then signed a Commitment Wall symbolizing their dedication to implementing the action plan. The day concluded with a press conference featuring Governor Socrates and Mayor Roberto Del Mundo of Kalayaan, addressing key issues surrounding the WPS.
Before closing, Asec. Elizabeth De Leon praised the active participation of Palawan leaders and lauded their renewed dedication to protecting the WPS for future generations.
Marine Research for Policy and Action
On the second day, delegates visited WPU’s Binduyan Marine Research Station, a vital facility under the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Led by Dr. Lota Creencia, the tour highlighted WPU’s ongoing marine biodiversity studies and hatchery operations that contribute to reef restoration and sustainable fisheries management.
The site visit provided valuable insights for integrating scientific research into the Provincial and National WPS Action Plans, bridging academic innovation with governance and community-based conservation.
A Shared Vision for a Protected West Philippine Sea
The Palawan Provincial Caravan marks the first regional caravan held under the DILG’s partnership with Tanggol Kalikasan and supported by the USAID-Gerry Roxas Foundation. The event concluded with the soft launch of the “Bayanihang Adhikain Para Sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas (Gawad Bayaning Aksyon)” Award, which will recognize outstanding contributions to WPS protection and advocacy.
Through collaboration, research, and shared commitment, the caravan reaffirmed one message: the protection of the West Philippine Sea is not just a national duty — it is a shared legacy of stewardship for the people of Palawan and the entire nation.