The Enhancing Marine Environmental Resource Governance in Indonesia and the Philippines (EMERGE-IP) project successfully conducted its Provincial Planning Workshop on April 7–8, 2026 at Bambu Suites, Puerto Princesa City, followed by Municipal Planning Workshops in San Vicente (April 13–14, 2026) and Taytay (April 15–16, 2026). These workshops were organized in collaboration with the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF), the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Macquarie University, and the Western Philippines University (WPU).

The workshops introduced the Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) process, provided project updates, and identified planning objectives, management strategies, and data needs. They aimed to strengthen marine spatial planning and reef fisheries management by incorporating climate change risks and impacts on dependent communities into local decision-making.

A wide range of stakeholders attended, including representatives from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), DENR CENRO and PENRO offices, PPDO, PGENRO, BFAR, OPAg, WWF-Philippines, LGU Taytay, LGU San Vicente, OMA, MENRO, MPDO, LAMAVE, MDRRMO, PAgO, Sulubaai Foundation, MFARMC, and the Fisheries Association of each municipality. Faculty and project staff from WPU also actively facilitated the workshop, alongside fisherfolk, women’s groups,
and private sector representatives.

Supervision of the ecological component was led by Dr. Rene Abesamis (MERF), while the municipal workshops were facilitated by Dr. Vera Horigue (Macquarie University). Project leadership from Dr. Lota Alcantara-Creencia (WPU) ensured that scientific rigor and local knowledge were integrated into the planning process. These workshops marked a significant step in building partnerships between
government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and communities toward climate-
resilient coastal management and sustainable fisheries.