The 1,315 hectare Banate Bay is a fishing ground located in the province of Iloilo in Western Visayas. The three municipalities of Anilao, Banate, and Barotac Nuevo and 1,315 fishing households in 22 barangays commonly share and benefit from this bay. However, while they shared the same waters, their ordinances and enforcement approaches varied from each other. The individual efforts of the three municipalities were largely ineffective. All major rivers were clogged by man-made obstructions resulting in heavy siltation and flooding. Worst, illegal-fishing activities which relied on the rampant use of fine mesh nets, cyanide and dynamites, and the unregulated intrusions of big commercial vessels destroyed fish habitats and depleted the resources of the bay.

      Realizing that only a concerted effort could save the bay, the three municipal governments forged an inter-LGU partnership on February 28, 1996. Their collaboration was formally known as the Banate Bay Resource Management Council, Inc. (BBRMCI), an entity registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The three municipalities initially contributed Php100,000.00 and two personnel each to compose the Council's full-time staff. Additionally, they also enlisted the active participation of national agencies by their permanent representation in the Technical Working Group.

      As agreed, BBRMCI had the sole power to regulate, protect, and rehabilitate Banate Bay. After only two years, their locally-initiated efforts gained impressive achievements. To value the participation of the small fisherfolk, 19 Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (BFARMCs) and 10 fisherfolk associations were organized. Around 78 fish wardens were deputized. The three municipalities revised their fishery ordinances and paved the way for uniform law enforcement. "Closed fishing season" was strictly enforced. All illegal structures in the major rivers were dismantled. BBRMCI and the BFARMCs successfully lobbied for two fish sanctuaries to be established, measuring 25 hectares each. Mangrove reforestation and nursery projects were initiated and artificial reefs were established. BBRMCI facilitated the release of Php1.5M from the Department of Agriculture for livelihood projects benefiting 247 fisherfolk, especially those who were adversely affected by the strict enforcement of fishery laws.

      Clearly, the impact and benefits of the program were experienced firsthand by the small fisherfolk. Prior to the program’s implementation, the fishermen used to harvest 1.5 kilos of fish, whereas today, they regularly harvest 2-4 kilos a day, and even more. Old-time residents testify that for the first time in many years, there has been a resurgence of sardines and crabs in the bay, along with mussels, oysters and shells. Additionally, changes in the fisherfolk’s attitudes were also seen. Small fisherfolk who accepted low-paying jobs in the uplands and lowlands resumed their fishing activities without using the destructive fishing methods. Coastal residents became more concerned about the environmental state of the coastal area and the bay. The provincial government had also adopted the program as one of its priority development programs in the province. With these initial gains, the key players are more resolved to intensify their collective efforts.