PHILIPPINES, Barangay Rizal, Municipality of Magsaysay, Cuyo Island, Northeastern Palawan - January 2007
Multipurpose building in support of a 247-acre Mangrove Forest Park (185-acre no-take zone) for a minimum duration of 20 years
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Barangay Rizal, with a population of 2,065, is the largest village comprising the Municipality of Magsaysay in the remote northeastern part of Cuyo Island, Palawan. The Andres Soriano Foundation is working with Barangay Rizal as part of their Small Island Sustainable Development Program (SISDEP). They have successfully negotiated with the village's Barangay Council to preserve 247 acres of its mangrove area, 185 acres of which is declared a no-take zone, for a minimum duration of 20 years. The villagers culture 'lato' (edible seaweed) in commercial quantities within the controlled-use zone of the park, but they realize they need to learn other methods of livelihood that are more environment-friendly. They also want to conduct coastal resource management trainings so they can better manage and protect the park. Seacology is funding the construction of a multipurpose building for trainings, meetings and monthly medical consultation in recognition of Barangay Rizal’s commitment to conserving their mangroves. *
UPDATE March 2007 - Plans for March through April 2007 include forming the community management committee for the mangrove park, purchasing and transporting materials for construction, and preparing the construction site. Construction of the building is scheduled to be completed by September 2007.
UPDATE June 2007 - The project began in February 2007 with a presentation of the plans to the Municipality Mayor. The Mayor offered the services of the Municipal Engineer to supervise the construction work. Preplanning sessions were then conducted and a project management committee was established to represent the Barangay Rizal citizens, the local fisher folk organization, and the Andres Soriano Foundation (ASF). As of May 2007 materials were purchased and the building foundation, walls and flooring were being constructed. The building is expected to be completed by mid-2007.
UPDATE October 2007 - The building was entirely completed in July 2007. An opening ceremony took place on August 30, 2007 with Seacology Field Representative Mr. Ferdie Marcelo in attendance as Seacology's representative.
UPDATE May 2008 - As of April 2008 Rizal continues to use the Center to hold community meetings for a variety of purposes, from health activities to fishing and farming meetings, to elections of community representatives. The community maintains a constant patrol and surveillance schedule within the Mangrove Park and has planted 500 mangrove seedlings since the inception of the project. Villagers are starting to see increased live coral and reef fish within the protected area.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
