CLSU, DILG, and TK Lead a Provincial Caravan for West Philippine Sea Protection

In a bid to promote national and provincial action plans for the protection of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management along with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Tanggol Kalikasan (TK), hosted the West Philippine Sea Provincial Caravan on October 22, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Olonggapo City. The event, launched with the title “Bayaning Aksiyon Para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas,” was designed to align local efforts with broader national goals by promoting action plans aimed in protecting the WPS. The program opened with welcome remarks from Olonggapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino Jr., who acknowledged the presence of all attendees, expressing gratitude for their participation in the event. Meanwhile, CLSU President Evaristo A. Abella on his solidarity message, emphasized the university’s strong support for the government’s campaign to protect the WPS. He highlighted CLSU’s potential to make a meaningful contribution by empowering local fisherfolks through livelihood programs from CLSU generated technologies. “In our institution, we believe that the essence of a university is that it should be felt in the countryside, in the community, in the stakeholders. We believe that the protection of our ecosystem, empowering the fisherfolks is the number one important issue that we should be addressing,” he added. In his inspirational message, Hon. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Governor of Zambales, underscored the significance of collective efforts in addressing the challenges facing the WPS. He emphasized that the combined actions of various stakeholders—government, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and communities—can create a lasting impact. Governor Ebdane also stressed the importance of laying a strong foundation for future generations, urging everyone to adopt a forward-thinking mindset. Director Cyrill P. Cusi, Director IV of the Strategy Formulation and Development Branch at the National Security Council of the Philippines, presented the National Security Policy 2023-2028, outlining it as a strategic framework to address the complex challenges facing the country's security, sovereignty, and national interests. On the other hand, Asec. Lilian de Leon, DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations, provided an overview of the event's background and rationale. She highlighted the significance of sustainability and institutionalization mechanisms to ensure the long-term success of the initiatives being implemented. The event proceeded with a media conference, series of presentations, workshop, and keynote address focusing on different action plans in protecting the WPS. It concluded with the recognition of LGU’s (Bayanihang Aksyon) and NGAs Partners, solidifying the commitment to preserving the WPS. This initiative is supported by Tanggol Kalikasan's project, "Restoring the Resources for Economic Sustainability of the West Philippine Sea (RESTORE-WPS)," under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program, facilitated by the Gerry Roxas Foundation. Future caravans are set to be conducted in other provinces, aiming to further promote environmental protection and national security through the collective efforts of government agencies, academic institutions, and non-government organizations.