In a landmark step towards environmental conservation and sustainable resource management, the Municipality of Dumaran, Palawan has tapped the Western Philippines University (WPU) in the implementation of the recently approved Ordinance No. 2023-1010. The ordinance officially declares the Ilian River and other river systems in the town, along with the Macrobrachium shrimp population, as protected areas for conservation and sustainable aquaculture.  

As a partner and implementor, WPU will play a central role in putting the ordinance into action. Through its research and extension programs, WPU will collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure that conservation strategies are effective and that sustainable aquaculture practices align with the community’s needs and environmental goals. 

The ordinance, moreover, is designed to protect the rich biodiversity of the Ilian River and surrounding waterways, safeguard the Macrobrachium genus from overexploitation, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices. The LGU Dumaran and WPU highlighted that protecting these water systems not only preserves ecological balance but also supports local livelihoods through responsible and sustainable aquaculture.

As sponsored by the Committee of Agriculture and the Committee of Environment and Natural Resources, the ordinance was officially approved during the 34th Regular Session of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan on April 4, 2023, at the Municipal Hall in Poblacion, Dumaran, Palawan.

Furthermore, the WPU GeM-PHIL Project short for the “Genetic Characterization Macrobrachium Populations in the Philippines for Broodstock Development and Seed Production”, led by Prof. Arlene L. Avillanosa, has paved the way for the ratification of the ordinance. This project funded by DOST-PCAARRD has run from October 01, 2020, to March 31, 2023. At present, a hatchery for Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) locally known as “Ulang” was established at the WPU Puerto Princesa Campus through the same project.

This partnership underscores WPU’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting responsible aquaculture and environmental governance in Palawan. This also highlights the university and LGU Dumaran’s commitment to protecting its natural resources and fostering sustainable livelihoods, serving as a model for conservation-driven community development. #DOSTPCAARRD #GeMPHILProject

[This article is in line with the SDGs 1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 17]

Photo Credit: WPU GeM-PHIL FB Page