Seal of Good Local Governance Expands Focus on Biodiversity and Environmental Protection

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As climate change accelerates, its effects are becoming increasingly evident in the Philippines. The summer of 2024 brought scorching temperatures, with Metro Manila experiencing a sweltering 45° Celsius heat index in April, as the World Meteorological Organization confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year ever recorded globally. With predictions pointing to another hot year in 2025, local governments must find ways to protect their citizens and the environment. One such initiative, the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), is now evolving to include stronger environmental protections, marking a significant step in the country's commitment to climate resilience.

The SGLG, which has been awarded annually by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) since 2014, recognizes Local Government Units (LGUs) that meet quality standards across ten governance aspects, including sustainable budgeting, social protection, and environmental management. The SGLG’s core goal is to encourage continuous improvements in governance, and this year, it is taking a big step forward with new provisions aimed at strengthening environmental safeguards across all LGUs in the Philippines.

Strengthening Environmental Governance in the Face of Climate Change

As Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo of Dumaguete City points out, LGUs play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of natural calamities, including the stronger storms and droughts brought on by climate change. To ensure that cities and municipalities are better equipped to handle these challenges, the SGLG’s environmental management section has expanded to include provisions focused on protecting local green spaces, wetlands, and ecosystems.

The new focus of the SGLG includes requirements for the establishment and maintenance of public parks and green spaces, alongside the sustainable management of vital wetland ecosystems such as coasts, rivers, and lakes. These provisions are designed to make LGUs active stewards of the natural environment, helping to absorb carbon dioxide, reduce urban heat, and enhance biodiversity. With the Philippines’ cities experiencing rising temperatures, preserving these natural spaces has never been more urgent.

UNDP BIOFIN and Key Stakeholders Lead the Charge

The United Nations Development Programme's Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN) has been at the forefront of this effort, working with the DILG and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to mainstream biodiversity conservation in local governance since 2019. A major focus of the initiative is to close the funding gap for biodiversity conservation projects by integrating environmental management into LGUs' development plans and encouraging investments in green infrastructure.

From January 23-28, 2025, stakeholders from the DENR, UNDP-BIOFIN, DILG, and LGUs across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor will participate in workshops to further discuss how to integrate environmental safeguards into the SGLG. These workshops aim to provide LGUs with the tools and resources needed to meet the new environmental standards. Participants will also learn about the potential for securing financial support for biodiversity projects through a special budgetary allotment for LGUs that meet the new SGLG criteria.

The Path to Greater Financial Investment in Biodiversity

Anabelle Plantilla, UNDP-BIOFIN Philippines National Project Manager, highlights that the workshops will focus on helping LGUs comply with the SGLG’s new biodiversity requirements. "We hope these workshops will allow every LGU in the country to meet SGLG standards, greatly enhancing their capacity to protect their respective natural resources,” she says. "As a bonus, LGUs that meet the new SGLG standards will be rewarded with a special budgetary allotment."

These efforts are part of a larger strategy to ensure that biodiversity conservation is properly funded and integrated into both local and national development plans. Through campaigns like the Year of the Protected Areas and advocacy for increased congressional financing, UNDP-BIOFIN has successfully helped raise over USD 84 million for the protection of 107 Legislated Philippine Protected Areas.

A Commitment to Sustainable Development

The Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP), which was adopted by the DENR in 2016, laid the groundwork for many of the initiatives that are now being integrated into local governance. While PBSAP faced challenges in securing adequate funding, it has successfully pushed for the mainstreaming of biodiversity into the development programs of national agencies, local governments, and the private sector.

As Lisa Paguntalan-Marte, Executive Director of the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc., puts it, “These SGLG learning workshops are a welcome development for our LGUs. We hope they will enhance the LGUs' understanding of the unique biodiversity of Negros and our other regions.” She emphasizes that these efforts will help local governments develop programs that make cities and towns more resilient to the ever-growing challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

Looking Ahead: A Greener, More Resilient Future

With the expansion of the SGLG to include environmental protection measures and the increased focus on biodiversity, the Philippines is setting an example for other nations. The country is taking steps to ensure that local governance plays an active role in addressing climate change, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainability. As LGUs across the country rise to meet these new standards, they will be better equipped to protect their natural resources and foster more resilient communities.

In a year when climate change effects are increasingly visible, the push for stronger environmental safeguards is more crucial than ever. The efforts of the DILG, DENR, UNDP-BIOFIN, and local governments are laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future, one where communities are equipped to thrive despite the challenges of a warming world.

Promoting Innovation and Industry Collaboration: A Key Workshop by UPD College of Science

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In a world where scientific advancements are critical to solving global challenges, Filipino scientists are increasingly focusing on innovations that can address the pressing concerns of the Philippines. In line with this, the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) Innovation Committee, under the Science and Society Program (SSP), recently hosted a groundbreaking workshop aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration with industry partners.

Held last year, the Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures (OGSM) Workshop was a pivotal event designed to spark meaningful discussions and strategies on promoting innovation within the College of Science. The workshop's primary goal was to empower faculty members, researchers, and innovation leaders to advance scientific discoveries that can lead to real-world solutions while strengthening ties with industry stakeholders.

A Collaborative Effort for Innovation

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the Innovation Committee, Deputy Directors for Research and Extension from various institutes, and individuals with expertise in technology transfer. These attendees were all united by the shared mission of driving forward innovation within their respective fields and ensuring that research outputs are not just theoretical but applicable in real-world contexts.

Dr. Lerrie Ann Ipulan-Colet, the Director of SSP, kicked off the event by introducing the CAPE Innovation Program for 2023-2025. CAPE stands for Collate and Categorize theses, dissertations, and research publications, Build Awareness, Prepare researchers and students to develop products from their research, and Exposure and Immersion to Innovation Opportunities. This forward-thinking initiative reflects UPD-CS’s commitment to scientific advancement and nation-building. It encourages members of the academic community to pursue groundbreaking research and engage in collaborations with various institutions to protect and promote their discoveries.

Key Takeaways and Insights from the Workshop

The workshop’s facilitator, Innovation Committee Consultant Engr. Rolando Lazo, guided participants through a range of crucial topics, starting with the rationale behind the workshop and sharing statistical insights that underscore the importance of innovation in addressing both local and global challenges. Engr. Lazo also led a review of a pre-workshop meeting held on October 14, where key issues around UPD-CS’s innovation direction were identified.

One of the most valuable components of the workshop was the interactive group sessions, where participants shared their experiences—both successes and challenges—encountered in the innovation process. This peer exchange allowed for the identification of common obstacles and the development of practical strategies for overcoming them. Attendees discussed the resources, actions, and mindsets required to ensure the success of innovation initiatives within the College of Science.

“The workshop provided an in-depth discussion on the experiences of people who have gone through the innovation process,” remarked one participant. Another added, “I hope the fruits of the meeting will be materialized properly into the Innovation Committee.”

Looking Ahead: Societal Impact and Value Proposition

A follow-up session is planned for this year, where participants will delve deeper into the concept of societal impact—its definition and significance in the innovation process. This session will be crucial in helping attendees refine their approaches to developing research that does not just push scientific boundaries but also serves the greater good of society.

In addition to discussions on societal impact, the workshop will feature a value proposition exercise to sharpen participants’ understanding of how their research can provide tangible benefits to various sectors. These activities aim to equip UPD-CS researchers with the tools they need to not only conduct groundbreaking studies but also translate their work into products and services that benefit society as a whole.

A Vision for the Future

The OGSM workshop is just the beginning of a larger initiative at UPD-CS to create an innovation ecosystem that will drive the Philippines towards a brighter, more sustainable future. As the university continues to promote scientific research and collaboration, it remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry, making sure that innovative ideas lead to practical solutions for the nation’s most pressing challenges.

With efforts like these, UPD-CS is poised to continue its legacy of fostering not only academic excellence but also impactful innovations that will shape the future of science and technology in the Philippines and beyond. As Filipino scientists and researchers work hand-in-hand with industry partners, the possibilities for creating solutions that benefit society are limitless.

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Tourism Woes in Boracay: A Deep Dive into the Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Development

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Boracay, one of the Philippines' most iconic tourist destinations, has long been hailed for its pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. However, recent developments in Malay, Aklan, where Boracay is located, have sparked concern among both local and international visitors. The issue revolves around the increasing number of fees charged to tourists, the growing dissatisfaction with transport and accommodation standards, and a mounting frustration over the general tourist experience. Local government officials are beginning to speak out about these challenges, proposing potential solutions to preserve the island’s allure while improving the travel experience.

The Fees Conundrum: A Growing Burden on Tourists

The mayor of Malay town in Aklan has recently stated that the local government charges only a terminal fee and an environmental fee from tourists. While these fees are intended to support the maintenance of the island and its natural resources, they have become a point of contention for many visitors. Locals, it seems, view tourists as a source of revenue, with some businesses seeing this influx of visitors as an opportunity to rake in significant profits.

The situation is exacerbated by the numerous additional charges tourists face as they make their way through the various points of entry to Boracay. Transport fees, especially for the short tricycle ride from the Caticlan airport to the seaport, have risen to 150 pesos for a short distance, which many tourists find excessive. When considering the hefty terminal fees, environmental levies, and other hidden costs, the total price tag for a visit to Boracay can quickly escalate, leaving tourists feeling taken advantage of.

This accumulation of charges, especially when visitors are already paying a premium to get to the island, detracts from the overall experience. Tourists, particularly international ones, often express frustration about the perceived "nickel-and-diming" nature of these costs. There's growing demand for a more straightforward, one-time payment system rather than the step-by-step collection of various fees. A more seamless digital payment system could alleviate some of these frustrations and enhance the convenience for travelers, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable entry into the island.

The Need for Better Infrastructure and Safety Standards

Beyond the financial burden, there are growing concerns about the quality of infrastructure and the standards of hygiene and safety practices on the island. Boracay, with its rapidly expanding tourist population, faces the challenge of maintaining comfort facilities that meet international standards. Tourists expect clean restrooms, hygienic eating and drinking facilities, and safe transport options, but as the local government and businesses struggle to meet these demands, some travelers have found themselves disappointed.

The influx of tourists, without corresponding improvements in sanitation and infrastructure, risks tarnishing Boracay’s once-untouched reputation. The high number of visitors and the lack of attention to these basic needs can lead to problems like foodborne illnesses, overcrowded beaches, and even safety concerns in resorts and transport systems. For Boracay to remain a premier destination, it is crucial to prioritize health and safety, ensuring that these essentials are in place before any further expansion of the tourism sector.

Building a Bridge to Ease the Burden on Tourists

One of the most talked-about proposals to alleviate the stress of getting to Boracay is the construction of a bridge that would connect Caticlan, the mainland, directly to Boracay Island. This bridge would reduce the travel time by at least 30 minutes and cut down the hassle of waiting for boats, navigating transport, and dealing with the various steps required to make it to a resort or hotel.

The proposed bridge could greatly benefit tourists coming from Kalibo airport, whose travel time to Boracay is often an arduous and inconvenient journey. Currently, the process involves multiple transfers, including buses, ferries, and tricycles. With the bridge in place, visitors could be at their hotels within just 5 to 20 minutes after picking up their luggage. This would not only significantly enhance the tourism experience but also boost local business by making the island more accessible and attractive to a broader audience.

However, even locals of Aklan who have migrated to Metro Manila and return to the province for vacations are not immune to the fees. They too are required to pay these charges when passing through Caticlan, leading to a sense of frustration among those who consider these fees to be unfair or excessive. Many of them feel that a one-time payment would be a more practical solution, easing the inconvenience for everyone involved.

Alternatives to Boracay: The Rising Appeal of Other Islands

While Boracay has long held the crown as the country’s prime tourist hotspot, other islands are starting to attract increasing attention due to their more affordable offerings and less crowded environments. Destinations like Samal, Coron, El Nido, Puerto Galera, Siargao, and Palawan have emerged as top alternatives, offering equally stunning natural beauty at a fraction of the cost of Boracay.

Samal, for example, provides picturesque beaches and diving spots without the inflated prices often found in Boracay. Coron and El Nido in Palawan are known for their breathtaking lagoons, pristine dive sites, and quieter ambiance, providing a more relaxed experience. Even Siargao, with its world-class surf spots and laid-back vibe, is becoming a top choice for both local and international tourists.

These islands are proving to be cost-effective alternatives, offering similar experiences without the burden of excessive fees. For many, this is becoming an increasingly attractive option, especially when Boracay’s prices and overcrowding continue to escalate.

A Vision for the Future of Boracay

Despite the growing frustrations with Boracay’s infrastructure and fees, many still see the island’s potential for sustainable development. Properly managed, Boracay can continue to thrive as a top-tier tourist destination while preserving its environmental beauty and improving the visitor experience. However, this will require significant investment in infrastructure, safety standards, and more thoughtful regulation of fees.

A balanced approach is needed—one that ensures both the protection of Boracay’s natural resources and the comfort of its visitors. The construction of the bridge, a more transparent fee system, and improvements to the island’s facilities are all steps in the right direction. If done correctly, Boracay can continue to be a shining example of the Philippines’ tourism industry, one that caters to the needs of both locals and tourists while preserving the environment for future generations.

For now, the island remains at a crossroads. Will it continue down the path of overexploitation, or will it evolve into a more sustainable, visitor-friendly paradise? Only time—and the efforts of the local government and businesses—will tell.