The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro State College and Tanggol Kalikasan as organizer and secretariat, officially launched the 7th Provincial Caravan on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in Occidental Mindoro with the theme, “Bayanihang Adhikain, Bayaning Aksiyon para sa Kanlurang Dagat ng Pilipinas” held at the Provincial Training Center in Mamburao on Tuesday, January 21.
In his address, DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Nestor B. Sanares highlighted the critical importance of collective action in ensuring the protection and sustainable management of the WPS.
β€œSa bawat isa sa nandito ngayon na handang gampanan ang kanyang papel na magkaisa at magtulong tulong para sa pangangalaga ng West Philippine Sea, ang ating ambag, maliit man o malaki ay mahalaga sa adhikaing ito. Dahil sa huli, lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para sa ikabubuti ng ating mahal na bansa,” USec. Sanares stated.
He also emphasized that no external challenges could weaken the country’s commitment to maintaining peaceful, secure, and prosperous communities.
β€œHindi matatangay ng alon ang ating katatagan at katapangan basta’t sama-sama tayong naninindigan para sa mas ligtas, payapa at maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
During the caravan, participants presented and discussed their respective action plans, focusing on ensuring food security and promoting inclusive economic growth. Workshops were conducted to validate the proposed Provincial Action Plan. Discussions also centered on sustainability strategies and mechanisms for institutionalization. Additionally, national and local officials held press briefings, attended by media practitioners from the province, to provide updates and insights. The event also highlighted the signing of commitment wall and the official launch of the β€œBayanihang Adhikain Para Sa Kanlurang (Gawad Bayaning Aksyon)” initiative.
Alongside USec. Sanares, the event was attended by DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation Elizabeth N. Lopez-De Leon, Department of Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, DILG MIMAROPA Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando, CESO III, Assistant Regional Director Rey S. Maranan, CESO IV, Provincial Director Juanito D. Olave, Jr., CESO V, Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, Tanggol Kalikasan RESTORE-WPS Project Leader Atty. Ma. Ronely D. Bisquera-Sheen, local chief executives, and representatives from various agencies, including the DENR, DA-BFAR, PCG, PNP-MG, DND, NEDA, CDA, DOJ, DICT, DOST, as well as academic institutions such as the UP Marine Science Institute, and World Wildlife Fund.