In a consultation meeting last 13 December 2011, Sylvia Miclat, ESSC Programs Manager, was invited to join a small group discussion on the university mentoring program in support of integrated coastal management currently implemented by Conservation International (CI)-Philippines.

According to Ms Rebecca Guieb of USAID-Philippines, there is renewed interest in the integration of science and technology in future work assistance. With the FISH and ECOGOV programs ended, the next generation of assistance will have more engaged roles for universities.

Possible work identified includes mangrove mapping, vulnerability assessments, economic valuation, and also the technical, enforcement and governance needs of local government units (LGUs).

At the moment, the mentoring program is indirectly addressing capacity building for LGUs, whose mandate also requires technical competence in undertaking socio-economic and geo-spatial planning. Hence, monitoring plans and other support activities developed as part of the integrated coastal management are not often followed through after a project is completed.

Other concerns discussed include the work prioritization, faculty workload, limited laboratory and GIS facilities, the rationalized planning system that will integrate 27 plans to just one plan, and the timeframe of LGUs. As shared by Jessica Dator from the Ateneo School of Government, it is important to locate the catalytic levels of governance and service delivery pathways and put more substance and meaning to the mentoring which may not necessarily be tied to LGU success indicators.

The approach to mentoring can be expanded to widen education networks and involve public schools. Learning strategies and tools need to be translated into formats that can be used by decision makers. The skills needed are not necessarily just academic, but should be able to understand political nature.

Sylvia Miclat shared that current ESSC engagements with LGUs increasingly focus on capacity building in land use planning and the use of Free Open Source Software (FOSS) geospatial applications. She also shared that LGUs are primarily concerned with attracting investments that contribute to socio-economic development and will ensure environmental stability. ESSC's partnerships with Jesuit universities in Mindanao essentially involve linking with LGUs and contribute to efforts in better resource planning and management.

Resource planning that includes and water use, data management, updated baseline information, and opportunities for higher studies for staff are critical concerns of LGUs that will enhance their service. If universities, especially in their respective local governments, have the capacity and resources to respond to these needs, a vital bridge between academics and local governance is established and usher in a more enriching and meaningful engagement for improved local governance and local development.

This work is part of the Coral Triangle Support Partnership project, largely supported by USAID and implemented by an NGO consortium that includes the WWF, CI, and The Nature Conservancy. A national plan of action is being crafted with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Department of Agriculture, primarily focusing on the Verde Island Passage, Palawan, Tawi-tawi.