By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

In the pursuit of coastal community development, the IMPL Project Philippines Foundation, Inc. has tied up with the Mariano Marcos State University for the West Philippine Seascape (WPS) project. 

To formalize the partnership, IMPL Project Philippines Executive Director Julius M. Suarez and MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis signed a memorandum of understanding today, June 16, at the Office of the University President. 

The WPS project aims to initiate activities toward inclusive resource governance, security, resilience, and sustainability in Ilocos Norte, especially in the coastal areas. The project will be implemented in the towns of Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos, and Pasuquin. 

For three years, the non-government organization will particularly partner with the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT) to implement the project through resource exchange.

CASAT will spearhead the following activities: community training on coastal resource management; research and extension services; and, establishment of replicable onsite conservation management models, eco-based livelihood options, and other sustainable technology packages in the Ilocos Norte towns. 

Both parties affirmed their commitment to make the collaboration productive. The MOU signing was witnessed by Engr. Ami Ruth Cocson, MMSU vice president for planning and development, and Prof. Ernesto Del Rosario, Jr., CASAT OIC-dean. 

A collaborative effort by the IMPL Project Philippines, the United States Agency for International Development, and Gerry Roxas Foundation, the WPS project is also being conducted in Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Palawan.

The project is part of the INSPIRE (Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems) program, which seeks to increase participation of civil society organizations, media, academe, and local communities in creating sustainable societies. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)