Today I had a meeting with Chito Dugan from Sikat Philippines. Sikat is a ‘non-profit organisation established in 1991 which aims to enhance coastal community resiliency by implementing community-based Coastal Resource Management (CRM) and Disaster Risk Reduction Programs (DRR), and promoting good governance practices.’
It was a very interesting and productive meeting. Chito was exceptionally welcoming and spoke in detail about Sikat’s work and success stories. He has also provided an insight in governmental bodies and local authorities in charge of fisheries, coastal environment, legal framework, aquaculture, protection, enforcement, etc. He also took some time to outline the main issues related to CRM in the Philippines as he sees them.
My sincere thanks to Chito for giving his time. It was great to learn more about an organisation that is doing such great work!