Isabela agencies plan stronger coastal monitoring for 2027

Agencies in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park–Marine Protected Area Network (NSMNP-MPAN) are planning to strengthen monitoring in five coastal towns in 2027 to curb illegal fishing and protect marine resources.

The plan was discussed during the network’s fourth-quarter committee meeting at the DENR Regional Office in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Assistant Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rosemarie Zabala led the meeting on behalf of NICMEN Committee Chair Geronimo P. Cabaccan.

Participants reviewed third-quarter accomplishments, results of the Network Effectiveness Assessment Tool and Competence Assessment Tool, and members’ annual reports for 2026.

Zabala said the network—which includes the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard and offices of the Isabela provincial government—aims to coordinate personnel and resources to more effectively address illegal fishing.

Park Operations Superintendent and Palanan Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Officer in Charge Nestor Lorenzo described the meeting as successful, citing strong participation and awareness among local governments, including those of Divilacan, Palanan and San Mariano, as well as other member agencies.

Lorenzo said the network would intensify conservation efforts next year so that the benefits of marine resources reach local communities and the wider province.

Arnold Battung, chief of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section under DENR Region 2’s Conservation and Development Division, urged members to turn the meeting’s agreements into concrete action to strengthen the protection and management of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park’s marine resources.