The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) has formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAVE) Research Institute Philippines at the PCSD Main Building today, April 19.
The proposed collaboration was approved during the 300th PCSD Meeting on March 30, 2023, through PCSD Resolution No. 23-895 authorizing PCSDS Acting Executive Director Nino Rey C. Estoya to forge collaboration with LAMAVE. Also present in the MOA signing were PCSDS Director Levita A. Lagrada as witness, LAMAVE President Ms. Maria Jessica June Labaja as signatory, LAMAVE Vice President and Project Manager Ms. Ariana Isabel S. Agustines as witness, while other PCSDS key personnel also graced the signing ceremony.
The MOA shall cover the implementation of a collaborative project called “PCSDS-LAMAVE Collaborative Project to Enhance Marine Megafauna Knowledge and Conservation in Palawan and Southeast Asia”. One of the notable objectives in this initiative is the enhancement of local communitiesโ awareness and direct participation in the conservation and protection of marine megafauna and their habitats. The project also intends to develop a network of trained and capacitated marine wildlife first responders and veterinarians, and set up, manage and coordinate a network of first aid centers and dedicated marine turtle hospitals.
As a signatory of the MOA, the PCSDS will provide technical and policy guidance to LAMAVE in the implementation of the agreed activities to achieve the objectives of the Agreement while LAMAVE shall provide field expertise and assistance in the conduct of various conservation activities including assistance in the rescue and release of stranded marine wildlife, as well as data and sample collection.
PCSDS, by virtue of this MOA, will also help LAMAVE establish linkages with other government agencies, relevant management and decision-making boards, to ensure smooth, effective, and efficient implementation of the aforementioned Project, among others.
The signed MOA will be in effect and valid for five (5) years.