The province of Bohol has bolstered its coastal law enforcement efforts with substantial financial support to local government units (LGUs), officials said Wednesday.
Acting Governor Tita Baja and Bohol Provincial Environmental Management Office (BPEMO) head Jovencia Ganub handed over checks totaling P1.3 million pesos to two Coastal Law Enforcement Council (CLEC) cluster chairpersons on July 25.
The LGU of Dauis received 500,000 pesos, while Duero LGU was granted 800,000 pesos to strengthen coastal management and law enforcement within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Duero Mayor Al Taculad, chairman of CLEC Cluster 6, accepted the funds on behalf of Duero, Guindulman, Jagna, and Anda municipalities, collectively known as the DUGJAN MPA Network.
The funds will support underwater biophysical monitoring, municipal ordinance harmonization workshops, MPA management effectiveness assessments, and capacity development for sea patrol members.
Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen, heading CLEC Cluster 8, received funding for Loay, Albur, Baclayon, Dauis, and Panglao. The allocation aims to enhance CLEC operations, provide capacity-building training, support open-water exercises, and enable the purchase of essential equipment and GPS plotting tools.
The CLEC initiative improves collaboration among LGUs, allowing them to share resources and information across multiple agencies and sectors. This coordinated approach addresses the longstanding issue of illegal fishers evading capture by moving between municipalities, causing significant damage to coastal environments.
Coastal law enforcement remains a critical challenge for Philippine LGUs, often requiring resources and personnel beyond their capacities. However, Bohol’s campaign against illegal fishing has become more efficient and cost-effective through the CLEC’s multi-agency, collaborative approach.
