BIDEF’s Peoples Response Advancing Initiatives for Sustainable Environment Objectives (PRAISE)

In the Municipality of Garcia-Hernandez, the Multi-Sectoral Environmental Monitoring Body (MSEMB) sustained its activities through the new project pending support from the local government unit. The group never ceased to be environmentally vigilant in their respective areas. Increased participation during regular meetings and other environmental-related activities were explicit among members. They were mobilized to conduct the environmental best practices evaluation, focusing on solid waste management that covered thirty barangays, wherein 10% of the total households and business establishments were evaluated.

The evaluation results showed that most of the local residents have already built up understanding on proper solid waste management. Practicing proper segregation, disposal of waste and complying with the existing local policies especially on solid waste were observed mostly in the municipality. The intensification of this activity further influenced the unanimous decision of the coastal barangays to strictly implement the materials recovery facility (MRF), which helped reduce waste generation and at the same time, reduced budget allocation on SWM of the municipal government.

Furthermore, the project’s intervention in coastal activities helped the Municipal Government of Garcia-Hernandez in reactivating the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (MFARMC). Regular meetings were conducted in order to discuss major issues arising in the coastal areas of the municipality. In effect, strict compliance on the color coding of municipal fishing boats and registration were implemented to reduce illegal fishing activities within the municipal waters. This development ensures strict implementation and compliance of coastal policies with the help of coastal communities. Lobbying activities were also organized to immediately facilitate the release of funds for the MFARMC members as their incentive in actively participating in coastal law enforcement and management.