PHILIPPINES, Barangay San Pedro, Municipality of Biri, Northern Samar – June 2007
Building for a Barangay-managed drugstore in exchange for the establishment of a 25-acre marine sanctuary for a minimum of 20 years
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Barangay San Pedro is a coastal barangay (Filipino term for village or district) located in Biri, Northern Samar. Its population of 1,138 relies heavily on fishing for subsistence. Potable water is scarce and health services are very limited. The Center for Empowerment and Resource Development Inc. (CERD) is working with Barangay San Pedro in the implementation of a coastal resource management program. The barangay agreed to preserve 25 acres of marine habitat, locally known as Kapig-itan Reef, declaring it as a no-take zone for at least 20 years. A Barangay Resolution was enacted to this effect in February 2007, and is awaiting adoption by the Municipal Council. To improve health services in the barangay, the Department of Health will provide quality and affordable medicines under its Botika sa Barangay (Barangay Drugstore) program. In exchange for protecting and managing Kapig-itan Reef, Seacology will provide funding for a small building to house the barangay drugstore.
UPDATE October 2007 - The project has been put on hold until the newly elected municipal officials approve to establish the protected area. It is estimated that this will be done by the end of 2007.
UPDATE December 2007 - After elections took place in October 2007 the size of the marine sanctuary had to be reduced from 12 hectares (30 acres) to 10 hectares (roughly 24.7 acres). The project is scheduled to begin in early 2007. Plans indicate that total construction time for the pharmacy will be about two months.
UPDATE May 2008 - Construction began in March 2008 and all major work was complete as of April 2008. Local and adjoining community members, the local fisher folk organization, and the Barangay Council met during this time to discuss and outline the specifics of the conservation area and the health services to be provided at the pharmacy. Plans for mid-2008 include making arrangements for two villagers to undergo health worker training and adding electricity to the building.
UPDATE June 2009 - As of April 2009 the Barangay Pharmacy is operational, but supplies are intermittent. Frequent typhoons hamper the regularity of medical supplies, and sometimes weeks pass before these are replenished. Nevertheless, the community is hopeful that the Municipal Government of Biri will be able to address the supply problem soon. The Marine Protected Area has been delineated by marker buoys, and no poaching has been reported.
