ULAP Stands Firm on Municipal Waters Protection
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) has firmly opposed commercial encroachment in municipal waters nationwide. Local leaders stressed that such activities jeopardize the livelihoods of fishing communities and threaten the sustainable management of coastal resources.
ULAP President Dakila “Dax” Cua emphasized the urgent need for local government units (LGUs) to unite in defending the rights of fisherfolk and in asserting their mandate to govern the seas that sustain their people. “We will not allow municipal waters to become battlegrounds for commercial gain,” Cua declared.
National Executive Board Meeting Highlights Maritime Governance
The statement came during ULAP’s 108th National Executive Board Meeting held in Boracay, Aklan. This gathering served as a prelude to the 2025 United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) executive bureau session. It brought together local leaders, national agencies, and development partners to discuss pressing issues in local governance, with a focus on maritime and coastal management.
DILG Assistant Secretary Jesi Howard S. Lanete reaffirmed the department’s commitment to enhancing LGU capabilities in managing local maritime areas. Lanete also shared updates on reprogramming the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), including plans to streamline its indicators and reconsider the annual awarding process.
Legal Actions and Strategic Initiatives
During the meeting, ULAP presented its formal legal intervention responding to the Supreme Court’s Minute Resolution in G.R. No. 270929. This ruling has reignited debates over allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters. Local leaders noted the critical implications of this case for coastal communities.
The event also marked the launch of ULAP’s national study on maritime governance, developed with support from international partners. Moreover, participants formally adopted the Boracay Declaration and Call to Action. This declaration represents a united LGU commitment to assert jurisdiction over municipal waters and to promote integrated coastal management alongside blue economy initiatives.
ULAP’s unified stance highlights the importance of protecting municipal waters from commercial exploitation. Their efforts aim to safeguard local fishing economies and preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.
For more news and updates on municipal waters protection, visit Filipinokami.com.