Philippine Journal of Science
152 (1): 79-89, February 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 13 Jun 2022

Assessing Community Participation in Coastal Resource
Management in Lupon, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Kurt Adrian Warguez1*, Aurelia Luzviminda V. Gomez1,
Marilou O. Montiflor1, and Roxanne T. Aguinaldo1

1School of Management, University of the Philippines Mindanao,
Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City 8022 Philippines

*Corresponding author: kawarguez@gmail.com

[Download]
Warguez KA et al. 2023. Assessing Community Participation in Coastal Resource
Management in Lupon, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(1): 79–89.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.01.05

 

ABSTRACT

Community participation ensures the sustainability and success of coastal resource management (CRM) efforts. Despite this recognition, there are limited studies that assessed the factors affecting participation in CRM. There is also a need to strengthen the policies as community participation alone is insufficient. This study examined the potential participation of a coastal community in local coastal habitat restoration and coastal management efforts. Specifically, it determined the sociodemographic profile of the coastal communities, policies affecting the use of coastal resources, community perception and awareness of the policies, factors affecting participation in CRM initiatives, and strategies to protect coastal resources. Primary data were gathered through household interviews (N = 94), whereas secondary data were gathered through government agencies, online reports, and journal articles. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine the factors affecting willingness to participate. Findings revealed that there was general community awareness of regulations and positive views towards participating in CRM initiatives. Results further showed that socio-demographics, boat ownership, perceived effectivity of regulations, local government unit as a source of information, and awareness and previous participation in CRM efforts were the important predictors of participation in CRM efforts. These findings may provide strategic insights into planning and implementing more effective initiatives that promote the protection of coastal and marine resources and sustainable livelihood of the coastal resource users.