MUST WATCH
AN AUDIO VIDEO PRESENTATION
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in collaboration with Tanggol Kalikasan and supported by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Gerry Roxas Foundation—successfully conducted the West Philippine Sea Provincial Caravan: Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon for Zambales on October 22, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center, Rizal Avenue Extension, Olongapo City.
The caravan brought together key leaders and stakeholders, including Sanggunian Panlalawigan Members of Zambales—Hon. Lugil Ragadio, Hon. Samantha Ablola, Hon. Jun Rundsted Ebdane, Hon. Reynaldo Tarongoy, and Hon. Peter Lim—Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane of Botolan, along with Sangguniang Bayan members and local functionaries from the 13 municipalities of Zambales and Olongapo City. Representatives from national government agencies (NGAs), such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), Department of National Defense (DND), and Department of Justice (DOJ), as well as universities and civil society organizations (CSOs), also participated in the event.
In his inspirational message, Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. emphasized the critical need to protect the livelihoods of Zambales' fishing communities amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges. He highlighted the established Zambales Maritime Development Council (ZMDC)—a groundbreaking initiative of the province aimed at safeguarding the fishing industry and promoting sustainability of the coastal communities.
Meanwhile, DILG Asec. Lilian M. de Leon, Assistant Secretary for International Relations, presented the background, rationale, and program flow of the caravan. She emphasized the vital role of participants in validating, updating, and enhancing the Zambales Action Plan for the protection of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
DILG Zambales Provincial Director Martin Porres Moral, CESO V, on the other hand, outlined the seven (7) activities under action plan developed from the national summit on the WPS held in August 2023. He provided a detailed list of activities and programs tailored to the specific needs of the province, encouraging participants to validate and finalize the Provincial Action Plan during breakout sessions.
Following this, representatives from the 13 municipalities of Zambales and Olongapo City engaged in breakout sessions to refine their plans and align the initiatives with national priorities. Hon. Samantha A. Ablola, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member, and Ms. Marivic N. Somera, Assistant City Planning and Development Officer presented the finalized action plans for Zambales and Olongapo City, respectively.
The WPS Provincial Caravan marks a significant milestone toward ensuring food security and fostering inclusive economic growth across the country—serving as a platform to enhance and institutionalize collaborative action plans while ensuring their effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
This joint effort reflects the unified commitment of Zambales and Olongapo City to protect marine resources and strengthen the resilience of their coastal communities, contributing to the broader goal of national security and prosperity.
