PHILIPPINES

Region:	East Asia and the Pacific
Country:	Philippines
Title:	Participatory Coastal Development Planning in Bolinao, Northern Philippines: A Potent Tool For Conflict Resolution
Authors:	Liana Talaue-McManus, Alexis C. Yambao, Severino Salmo III and Porfirio Alino
Other Info:	(i) Original language: English; (ii) Partner: International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Abstract: This is a case study on an IDRC sponsored project titled "Community-Based Coastal Resources Management (CB-CRM)" implemented in Bolinao, a municipality town in northern Philippines, between 1993 and 1998. This project played a catalytic role in community mobilization and formation of CRM-oriented peoples. organizations (POs), and in the formulation of the first participatory coastal development plan in the country. One of the objectives of the project was the creation of a coastal development plan for Bolinao through the coordinated efforts of local POs, civil society and the local government. The project began with the creation of four POs that were later federated, and the transfer of appropriate knowledge and skills to them to develop an integrated PO-initiated Coastal Development Plan (CDP) for Bolinao. This was followed by a Multi-Sectoral Consultation in 1996 on the CDP with the support of an Executive Order issued by the Municipality. A series of public consultation meetings and drafts resulted in the final approval of the CDP by the Municipal Council (the town's legislative body) on 16 December 1997. This is an example of active involvement of the Executive and Legislative branches of the local government in institutionalizing the CRM planning process. "The CDP exercise provided the most effective venue for consensus building in articulating a development vision as well as formulating action plans to achieve it." In accordance with later Executive Orders, the Bolinao CDP has been used to guide seventeen other coastal municipalities in the Lingayen Gulf to develop their own CDPs. It is also being referred to by other government and non-government organizations working in coastal areas around the country and in other parts of South East Asia.