To popularize the concept of blue economy among the stakeholders, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) and Provincial Government of La Union-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGLU-ENRO) spearheaded a Blue Economy Forum in observance of Month of the Ocean 2024 at DMMMSU – South La Union Campus (SLUC) College of Fisheries on May 29.

Mr. Celso H. Jucutan, University Coordinator on Resource Development, warmly welcomed the guests and participants on behalf of Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., DMMMSU President. He centered on the goal of the institution to become a sustainable school through the implementation of various green initiatives in partnership with several government and civil society organizations as well as other stakeholders, citing the implementation of Environmental Justice Sector Reform Program Phase 2 in partnership with Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc.

Mr. Jucutan also discussed the rationale and objectives in establishing a Blue Economy Lab.

Dr. Faith Tadeo, Dean of the College of Fisheries (COF), underscored the contributions of the College of Fisheries in promoting food security through impactful fisheries education, research, and extension. 

In addition, Mr. Angelo Jet Mariñas , Ecosystems Management Specialist of P-ENRO La Union, discussed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) flagship program dubbed as Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP). It encompasses various components promoting community empowerment and ecosystem conservation and protection. 

Further, Mr. Reginald Laxum Atabay of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) shared the programs and projects of the agency which are parallel to the blue economy concept. He recognized the plights of the fisherfolk communities despite their big contributions to the social, economic, and environmental status of the country. He assured that their agency continues to provide various assistance to uplift the quality of life of the fisherfolk. 

Lastly, Ms. Vanessa Cornell of Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI) shared the initiatives being implemented by the organization in the province of La Union. She shared the Clean Coast Project which aimed to empower communities in tackling their Solid Waste Management (SWM) which will be complemented by the forthcoming Ridge to Reef SWM Program, both funded by the Coca-cola Foundation. 

Ms. Cornell also discussed the Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Project funded by USAID through Gerry Roxas Foundation which aims to promote good governance and strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration for the sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea particularly Fishery Management Area (FMA) 6. 

The forum concluded with the remarks of  Forester Racquel Orpilla, Supervising Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS) of the PGLU-ENRO encouraging everyone to be active partners, a truly kaprobinsyaan, of the provincial government in attaining sustainability. 

DMMMSU thanks PGLU-ENRO, DENR, BFAR, JVOFI, COF, Institute of Environmental Governance, and Institute of Environmental Governance for the continuous partnerships in sustainability programs.

Resource persons and students received tokens sponsored by the Provincial Government of La Union.

(by Celso H. Jucutan)