THE MARIANO Marcos State University and the IMPL Project Philippines Foundation, Inc. joined forces for the implementation of the West Philippine Seascape project.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by MMSU President Shirley Agrupis and IMPL Project Philippines Executive Director Julius Suarez over the weekend.

The project, which aims to initiate activities on inclusive resource governance, security, resilience and sustainability will be implemented in the towns of Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos, and Pasuquin.

“For three years, the non-government organization will particularly partner with the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology to implement the project through resource exchange,” the school said.

“CASAT will spearhead the following activities: community training on coastal resource management; research and extension services; and establishment of replicable onsite conservation management models, eco-based livelihood options, and other sustainable technology packages in the Ilocos Norte towns,” it added.

A collaborative effort by the IMPL Project Philippines, the United States Agency for International Development, and Gerry Roxas Foundation, the WPS project is also being conducted in Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Zambales and Palawan.

The project is part of the INSPIRE (Investing in Sustainability and Partnerships for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems) program, which seeks to increase participation of civil society organizations, media, academe, and local communities in creating sustainable societies.