Palompon is one of the oldest and biggest municipalities in the province of Leyte. It used to be a haven for diverse mangrove species, local and migratory birds, and coral reef formations that provided a favorable spawning and breeding ground for marine life. However, during the past 10-20 years, indiscriminate cutting of mangroves, unregulated fishing during spawning seasons, rampant illegal fishing, uncontrolled extraction of coral stones and other destructive fishing methods were left unchecked and led to the serious deterioration of valuable marine resources. The wanton destruction of these resources threatened the livelihood of 80-90 percent of the residents in the coastal barangays.

      This program was launched to restore, protect, and manage the marine resources through the passage and strict enforcement of municipal ordinances related to the environment, environmental advocacy, networking, and community organizing for livelihood projects. After more than a year of program implementation, the cutting of mangroves, illegal and destructive fishing methods, extraction of coral stones and hunting of birds on the islands was totally stopped. Fishermen who first used illegal and destructive approaches now employed sustainable fishing methods like fish corals, bamboo fish traps, spear fishing, hook and line. Those with an average catch of between 3-4 kilos for 10 hours of fishing reported that their catch increased to 4-7 kilos for 6-8 hours of fishing. In Tabuk Islet, around 2,000 wild ducks and other migratory birds belonging to more than 20 rare species feast on fish and other marines products and playfully enjoy the serenity of the area. A night tour around the Tabuk Island showed schools of fish of different species leaping from the sea and dashing in all directions. Palompon enforced the approved ordinances and legislations through citizen action, police powers, intensive surveillance, and public vigilance. The program’s effectiveness raised public morale and developed the people’s confidence in their municipal government.