30/09/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ | ๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ โ The Butuan Bay Development Alliance Management Board convened for its quarterly meeting to deliberate on key policies, plans, and partnerships aimed at strengthening the governance, conservation, and sustainable management of Butuan Bay.
One of the primary highlights of the meeting was the participation of three Local Chief Executives and members of the BBDA Management Board in taking the pledge of the Coastal 500, signifying their commitment to advancing coastal conservation, sustainable fisheries, and resilient coastal communities. The Coastal 500 is a global network of local government leaders working toward thriving oceans and resilient coastal communities.
Another major agenda was the approval of the proposed draft bill creating the Butuan Bay Development Authority. Following the Boardโs approval, the proposed bill will be endorsed to the respective Congressional District Offices for further consideration. The proposed authority seeks to strengthen institutional coordination and establish a more unified mechanism for the management and development of Butuan Bay.
The Management Board also approved and adopted three key management plans considered vital to the conservation and protection of the bayโs coastal and marine resources.
The FMA 9 Sardines Fisheries Management Plan and Siganids Fisheries Management Plan, presented by the DA Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Caraga, were adopted by the Board. Their adoption strengthens the harmonization of fisheries management measures among the BBDA member local government units. The FMA 9 Sardines Fisheries Management Plan also complements the existing BBDA Sardines Fisheries Management Plan, reinforcing coordinated efforts toward the sustainable management of sardine resources.
Meanwhile, the Marine Protected Areas Network (MPAN) Plan for Butuan Bay was presented by the DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Agusan del Norte and subsequently approved and adopted by the Management Board. The plan highlights the interconnectedness of marine protected areas and the importance of harmonizing management measures among coastal communities and local government units to strengthen the protection of marine sanctuaries and surrounding ecosystems.
Further strengthening the Allianceโs technical and research capabilities, the Board also granted the Executive Director authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Caraga State Universityโs Marine Biology Department. The proposed partnership will support research, marine habitat assessments, and other extension services relevant to the conservation and management of Butuan Bay.
The series of decisions and commitments made during the meeting reflects the BBDAโs continuing efforts to strengthen institutional governance, harmonize fisheries management, expand marine conservation, and build partnerships for the protection of Butuan Bay.