CIrilo Lagnason Jr.

PM TMEM
Biophysical Setting
Maasim is one of the coastal municipalities of Sarangani Province located at the
western portion. It is a narrow strip of land southwest of the Municipality of Alabel, the
provincial capital.
The municipal center lies at coordinates 125º 00’ 32.19” East longitude and 5º
51’ 49.15” North latitude. It is 45 kilometers away from General Santos city proper and
about 98 kilometers from Koronadal City, the regional center. It is bounded in the
northeast by General Santos City; in the north by the Municipality of T’boli, South
Cotabato; in the west by the Municipality of Kiamba; in the south by the Celebes Sea;
and in the east by Sarangani Bay. Maasim is composed of 16 barangays with total land
area of 50,043 hectares and municipal water of 33,511 hectares. Four (4) of its
barangays are situated in the uplands and 12 are in the coastal zone with a combined
coastline of 43 km.
The municipality of Maasim has mangroves, mudflats, seagrass and coral reef
habitat. DENR XII mapped out a total of 29.73 hectares of mangrove forests, 154.06
hectares of seagrass beds and 619.57 hectares of coral reef. Mangrove community is
confined in Barangays Tinoto and Seguil, Seagrass beds can be found in almost all
coastal Barangay and Coral reef can be found near shore and offshore.

Figure. 1 Administrative Map of Region XII with boundaries of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.
Socio Economic Setting
Maasim is a 1st class municipality by virtue of Department of Finance Order No.
23-08 dated July 29, 2008.It falls under the lone Congressional District of Sarangani
Province. The economy of Maasim is largely based on agriculture, producing copra,
livestock, coconuts, maize, bananas and fish. The municipality also possesses varied
features suited for ecotourism investments. The sandy beaches, caves scenic
waterfalls, and hanging cliffs is becoming a favorite of domestic and international
tourists.
Recently, a coal fire power plant had been fully operating accelerating the
economic condition and job opportunities. In the past decade advances in global
communication technology and boom on infrastructure support such as highways and
bridges significantly increase economic activities Maasim.

Management
Maasim’s marine waters is inside the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape
(SBPS) which was declared under the National Integrated Protected Area System
(NIPAS) by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 756 last March 05, 1996. It stretches
up to 240 kilometers from Pinol Point in the west to Batulaki point in the east. SBPS has
two (2) management zone namely; the strict-protection-zone and the multiple-use-
zones. In Maasim there are at least two (2) declared Strict-protection-zones, Colon
Marine Sanctuary in Colon and Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary in
Kamanga.
As a whole, SBPS is under the general administration of the Protected Area
Management Board (PAMB) chaired by the DENR pursuant to the rules and regulation
of RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992. In Maasim, Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park
and Sanctuary had functional sanctuary management board which manages the marine
park. The Local Government of Maasim, through its Municipal Agriculture office and
Municipal ENRO oversees the implementation and management of programs related to
the coastal and marine resources.
Issues and threats
Illegal and destructive fishing methods, irregular and unregulated gleaning,
indecent anchorage, settlements, siltation, illegal cutting, wastewater discharges and
solid waste disposal are among the anthropogenic activities that destroy the resources.
The occurrence of coral bleaching, the crown of thorn and Drupella infestations are
natural causes due to climate change or eutrophication of water. The activities continue
to deplete the remaining resources despite the efforts of the LGU to regulate such.
In Maasim, particularly in KMEPS weak enforcement of or ordinance was
observed. Tough there were apprehensions recorded in the area the LGU still lacks
manpower and logistic to fully enforce the environmental ordinance. The illegal fishing
activities in MPAs of Maasim damages the coral reef and other marine habitats and
sometimes entangling marine megafauna such as marine turtle and dugongs. Another
issue inMaasim is the damage caused by marine debris. As such, is uncontrollable due
to the tidal and water movement, pile of garbage was carried varied from plastic bags,
sachet, diaper, cloth, cans, straws and cigarette butt. These trashes compete on space
with corals and other living marine organism making the latter vulnerable.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Recommendation

The LGU together with the NGA’s and other partners in monitoring continues to
evaluate the resources in the area. Seagrass bed generally was stable in all areas.
There was no significant changes over period of time both in SPZ and MUZ. The hard
coral cover was fluctuating due to the methods and establishment of employed in
permanent monitoring transect. Fish Abundance was increasing despite the occasional
illegal fishing activities in coral reef areas.

Live Hard Coral Cover

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Kamanga MPA Open Area

Figure 3. Comparison on Live Hard Cover in Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and
Sanctuary (SPZ) and Tinoto Reef (MUZ)
Figure three (3) shows the decreasing trend on the first two 5 years of the
operation of Marine sanctuary. A decrease on coral cover was observed on 2006-2008
due to the infestation of Crown-of-Thorns which was later removed. A significant
decrease can be observed on 2012-2015 data. The decrease is due to the shift of
methods and the establishment of a permanent transect which was surveyed recently
(2017). The open area however remains, to be almost stable. The open-accessed area
is regularly fished, but locals manages to fish using hook and line, and spears, which is
more sustainable compared to gillnet.
 The fishery resource on the other hand varies from one area to another. Target
fishes is slightly higher to marine sanctuary compared to open access area due to the
management and enforcement of laws inside the marine sanctuary. Live hard coral
cover which serves as habitat for reef and demersal fishes generally affects the number
and species present in the area. Local practices and initiative also affects the overall
condition of fishery resource.
Table one (1) shows the comparison of two areas in Maasim, Sarangani
Province. Very High abundance was observed in two areas. Tinoto reef an open
access area has higher in terms of abundance comparing to KMEPS which is an SPZ.
Target fishes on the other hand is higher in KMEPS that can be attributed to its
protection, prohibiting the entry of Fisherman in the MPA. The wall reef of Kamanga
contributes to the diversity of reef fishes which greatly depends on availability food.
Biomass is higher in MPA area due to the high number of target fishes.

Table 1. Fishery Resources in Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary (SPZ)
and Tinoto Reef (MUZ) assessed on year 2015.
Location Total no of Total no.of Species Biomass
individuals/ Target Fishes / Richness (MT/km2)
1000m2 1000m2
Kamanga MEP 9,225 614.67 98 61.17
Sanctuary (SPZ)
Tinoto Reef 10, 096 477.33 84 54.87
(MUZ)

Recently DENR XII conducted a comprehensive assessment in two different

areas in Maasim. Colon Marine Sanctuary, an MPA which was long left as an open
access and Malbang reef which is to be declared as an additional marine sanctuary of
the Municipality. The following is the result of the assessment done in two areas.
 Bentic Life Forms in Malbang and Colon Maasim, Sarangani
Province
60
54

50 47.5

40

29
30 24.5

20 18
12
10 7
5
3
0
0
LHC DCA SC SRS OT

Malbang Colon

Figure 7. Benthic lifeforms in Malbang and Colon, Maasim, Sarangani Province

As observed, Colon Reef has higher percentage of live hard coral cover
compared to Malbang which has only 18 percent. This clearly manifest that areas left
unprotected are prone to misuse and abuse. Higher percentage dead corals with algae
and Sand/Rubble and Silt was observed in Malbang. Though geographically located 2
kilometers from the coastal communities, the area was heavily fished overtime. Some
destructive fishing method was still observed in the area where pieces of fishing nets
were gathered underwater. Colon reef, on the other hand, is much better compared to
the other. Its long fringing reef which extends throughout the coastal area of Barangay
Colon has the coral cover of good to excellent, characterized by massive and long strips
of healthy Acropora branching corals.

Fisheries, on the other hand, are relatively poor to the two areas. Colon reef has
a high number of target fishes but with low biomass due to smaller sizes
observed. Malbang reef, on the other hand, has more indicator fishes compared to
colon reef composed of Damselfishes of family Pomacentridae. Two areas could be
heavily fished manifested by the juvenile size of all fishes

Best Practices in Relation to Coastal and Marine Resources

The following activities were initiated by the Local Government of Maasim in

partnership with the collaborating agencies and industries.
1. In coordination with DA-BFAR Training on Fish Processing was held on
September 23-24, 2014, with a provision of startup capital/goods for coastal
communities residing near and adjacent the MPA (Fig. 9). The training aims to
 encourage the fisher folks to engage in fish processing activity to add value to
their products. The training also aims to impart Good Manufacturing Practices
(GMP) as their product is one of the identified products of the Municipality in their
“One Town, One Product.”

2. Through the partner organizations such as KLAFI foundation, almost 10,000

Bangus fries and 1500 grouper fry were released into the wild. The release is a
continuing activity conducted during coastal events such Month of the Ocean.
The release of fish stocks to adjacent waters of MPA is to restore the fish
populations of the commercially important fish species (Fig. 10) which will benefit
the fisherfolks by producing more Bangus fries, caught during peak season.

Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim

Figure 10. The community together with the partner institution during the
released of 2, 000 out 10, 000 Bangus fry released in the water adjacent
to the MPA

3. Deployment of dome type Artificial Reef (AR”s) in damage reef areas in and
adjacent waters to provide temporary shelter to bottom dwelling fishery species is
initiated by private volunteers and organizations in coordination with the LGU
(Fig. 11). The reef areas are predetermined and carefully studied to ensure that
the AR’s will serve its purpose for reparation rather than damage. AR’s also
serves as the substrate to the coral organism that would hasten growth. The
monitoring activities showed a positive development on AR’s where several
organism not limited to coral and fishes inhabit.

4. Deployment of Fisheries Aggregating Device (FAD) in offshore areas (Fig. 12)

was facilitated by the DA-BFAR and the LGU of Maasim. The FADs are being
managed by people’s organization from the fishing communities. Fishing in the
FADs only allowed hook and line. Nets that promote huge fish volume harvest
were not allowed in the FAD area.
 5. Distribution of fishing gears to fishermen beneficiaries is the project of the LGU
Maasim (Fig. 13) in support to the artisanal fishing sector of the municipality. The
recipients were carefully identified through socioeconomic surveys conducted
yearly. The aid of the LGU encourages the fishermen to fish outside the MPAs of
Maasim and to promote sustainable fishing practices in the whole municipality.

6. Information Education Communication campaigns are regularly conducted in the

whole municipality (Fig. 14). The management body together with LGU of
Maasim distributes IEC materials such as brochures to the coastal dwellers.
Video materials, on the other hand, were regularly viewed during gatherings to
increase the level of awareness among the coastal dwellers. The IECs promotes
ridge to reef in the conservation of coastal and marine resources in Maasim.
Upland and lowland dwellers are encouraged to plant trees and dispose of waste
properly while the fishing community is encouraged to help to secure the MPA
from poachers and illegal fishers

Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim

Figure 11. A collaborative effort of LGU and private volunteers during the
deployment of Artificial Reefs last February 2015.
Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim
Figure 12. Fishing Aggregating Device is locally known as “Payao” was being
deployed in Municipal waters of Maasim.

7. Fishers and boat registration was conducted yearly in the whole municipality in
order to identify the fishers in the whole municipality (Fig. 15). The fisher’s
registration is a compulsory requirement for the fishermen in which they pay a
certain amount in order to operate freely in the Municipal waters. The fisher’s
registration also aims to identify the poorest among the fishermen subject for aids
and grants from funding donors in the future.

Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim

Figure 14. Punong barangay of Barangay Kamanga during one of their IEC’s
wherein they distributes brochures and viewed video materials.
Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim
Figure 15. The staff of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist attending
fishermen’s wife during the registration.

Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim

Figure 16. The management body during their quarterly monitoring on the 4th quarter
of 2015.

8. In order to efficiently managed Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary

the management board through the LGU of Maasim regularly meet up every
quarter to discuss prime issues and concern regarding the MPA (Fig. 16). The
quarterly meeting was also held to update and monitor activities of the
Management Body as stipulated in the MPA management plan.
9. During the month of September, specifically on its 3rd week, SCUBA divers
gathers for the Annual SCUBAsurero - a waste collection activity intended to
 gather waste through the use of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
(SCUBA) accumulated in Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park and Sanctuary (Fig.
17). The activity was enjoined by divers from both private and public organization
hosted by the management of Lemlunay Resort. Sack of waste was often
gathered in the activity which usually came from the adjacent community. During
the garbage collection, crown-of-thorns was also gathered. The coral predator
preys on the coral which damages the coral reef habitat. Furthermore, the
collection activity ensures less and no further damage on the Marine habitat
caused by both anthropogenic and biological factors.

10. Through the Local Government Unit and with other partners “Bangkarera” a race
for small bancas was held in the adjacent waters of the Maasim (Fig. 18). The
race was organized in order to promote sustainable fishing practices and the
protection and conservation of Marine and Coastal resources. The activity is a
part of the IEC of the LGU to further protect Kamanga Marine Ecotourism Park
and Sanctuary.

Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim

Figure 17. One of the divers presents the waste – undergarments collected in the
MPA.
Source: Local Government Unit of Maasim
Figure 18. Fishermen racing to the finish line during the Bangakakera race in Tinoto,
Maasim,Sarangani Province

Future Directions, Gaps, and Recommendation

Maasim proactive management of the coastal and marine resources promises a

more pristine coastal and marine habitat. The LGU is geared to focus on the strict
implementation of ordinances governing the coastal and marine resources. It is
expected that more training on coastal law enforcement together with the enforcement
Bodies, Maritime Police, Coastguards and PASu of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.
Malbang reef is soon to be declared as part of the Locally Managed MPAs of the
municipality networking it with other MPA for a more efficient management of the
resources. It is well recommended to co-manage MPA with private entity and Peoples
organization to size up workforce in guarding the MPA. Intervention such as
deployment of prescribed artificial reef and coral restoration projects could be possibly
done with the help of NGA’s, NGO’s and Academe. To fill in the gaps on the lax
implementation of fishery laws, the Local Government together with BFAR will impose
the boat registration and sea patrolling to apprehend illegal fishers.

References
Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Annual Accomplishent Report (2016)
Municipality of Maasim Integarted Coastal Management (ICM) Plan, 2013-2019