Legazpi City — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), a strategic partner of the Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation in the Bicol Region, actively participated in a significant Multi-Stakeholder Consultation-Workshop on Mainstreaming Blue Economy. This collaborative event unfolded at the Proxy Hotel in Legazpi City on 28 September 2023.
Throughout the day, the consultation-workshop delved into a diverse range of pressing topics, fostering insightful discussions and shared perspectives:
The day commenced with a focus on “Blue Economy: Towards a Prosperous Archipelagic Maritime Nation,” setting the tone for the discussions that followed. Participants explored the profound implications of the Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP 2028) on regional development agendas, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to regional growth. The MIDP 2028 was presented by MARINA Planning and Policy Service Director Luisito Delos Santos.
Environmental stewardship emerged as a key theme, with an emphasis on “Marine Environmental Protection in the Blue Economy.” The importance of preserving and safeguarding coastal habitats and their blue carbon stocks was a highlight.
Attention then turned to empowering coastal communities through “Sustainable Enterprise Development for Resilient Coastal Communities.” Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on sustainable practices that enhance the resilience and prosperity of coastal areas.
Alternative livelihood opportunities were explored in the session on “Sea Cucumber Culture,” which shed light on how this initiative can provide new economic avenues for coastal communities.
The day’s discourse reached its pinnacle with a focus on “Coastal Ecotourism Development.” The potential for ecotourism to not only stimulate economic growth but also promote environmental conservation was underscored.
In closing, Atty. Maximo I. Bañares, Jr., Director II of MARINA Regional Office No. V, imparted a crucial message: “The Blue Bikol champions should turn the table and start with the grassroots to the top in order to achieve success.” This call to action emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts in driving forward the Blue Economy initiative.
The MARINA team’s active involvement in this event exemplifies its commitment to sustainable maritime development and partnership in realizing a thriving Blue Economy in the Bicol Region.