TACLOBAN CITY – The local government of Palompon, Leyte signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Oceana Philippines International during the 10th anniversary of super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name “Haiyan”) on Wednesday, November 8, to sustain an ecologically balanced municipality.
The partnership aims to mutually benefit both organizations through the sharing of expertise, information, resources, and technical capabilities in joint program implementation, particularly in the mangrove restoration program, among others.
Oceana Philippines International believes that restoring the mangrove forests, through the establishment of coastal greenbelt zones, would effectively contribute to addressing the declining fish stocks and unabated destruction of coral reefs and other habitats.
It likewise aims to ultimately provide food security and livelihood for the community.
Mayor Ramon Oñate stressed that they recognize the urgency of assessing, rehabilitating, conserving, and protecting the whole of Palompon, from mountains to forest and rivers, to the coastal and marine environments following the environmental management principle of integrated protection and planning of interconnected ecosystems called “Ridge-to-Reef.”
He noted that partnership arrangements with competent institutions are vital, considering the extent of technical and scientific necessities to ensure environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
"The LGU Palompon and Oceana Philippines International believe that this proposed partnership shall mutually benefit both from the sharing of expertise, information, resources, and technical capabilities through the joint program implementation."