The provincial government of Eastern Samar reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable coastal resource management as it joined the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the Alliance of Seven Municipalities for Integrated Coastal Zone Management or A7 for ICZM in Guiuan on May 27, 2026.
The alliance, composed of the municipalities of Lawaan, Balangiga, Giporlos, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes, and Guiuan, seeks to address the declining fish catch in their shared fishing grounds caused by overfishing, habitat destruction, illegal fishing activities, the entry of transient fishers, and the encroachment of commercial fishing vessels into municipal waters.
Originally initiated more than 20 years ago by Guiuan Mayor and current A7 Chairperson Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, the alliance aims to strengthen coastal protection, sustain fisheries and food security, promote stakeholder participation in resource management, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for fishing communities.
Gov. RV Evarodne expressed the provincial government’s full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of protecting marine resources for future generations.
The provincial government will provide an annual financial assistance to the alliance in the amount of P1.5 million
The A7 alliance is expected to strengthen cooperation among coastal municipalities in ensuring the sustainable and equitable use of Eastern Samar’s marine resources while improving the welfare of local fisherfolk.
