NGO eyes coastal resiliency programs for Dinagat Islands

By ALEXANDER LOPEZ

BUTUAN CITY – A non-government organization (NGO) is set to implement coastal resiliency programs in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

In a statement Tuesday, the province’s information office said top managers of the Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, Inc. (SIKAT) already met with Dinagat Gov. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao on Monday.

Among the officers of SIKAT who met with Bag-ao include Program Manager Wendie Goña and Community Organizer Carmela Oquina.

“SIKAT advocates for coastal resiliency especially in small islands that include Dinagat where they recently set up an office,” the statement said.

The NGO will prioritize the provision of support to small fishermen and the protection of minors who are engaged in fishing as a source of living.

“The group also specialized in programs focusing on climate change adoption, fisher responsive disaster risk reduction – climate change adoption (DRR-CCA), support to infrastructure on potable water, and coastal resource management,” the statement said.

SIKAT will focus on three municipalities in the province, including Dinagat, Cagdianao, and Tubajon.

“The feasibility studies for their projects in four barangays in each of the target municipalities were already completed last year. These barangays will serve as pilot areas for the whole province of Dinagat,” the statement said.

Bag-ao also assured her support for the projects and asked the NGO representatives to replicate the initiatives started by the provincial government and proven to have provided benefits to the people in the area.

She also told the officers of SIKAT that the provincial government will provide them a list of marginalized fisherfolk in the province to ensure swift delivery of services. (PNA)