Isabela Coastal Development Office

Yesterday, April 8, 2026, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) convened a preliminary meeting to discuss the joint monitoring of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on September 14, 2011. This agreement involves the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) of Divilacan, NCIP, and the Provincial Government of Isabela, focusing on the Ilagan–Divilacan Road Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (IDRRIP).

The annual MOA monitoring serves as an important mechanism to ensure compliance with agreed provisions, assess the sustained delivery of support to IP communities, and provide updates on the current status of implementation. The meeting was strengthened by the participation of partner agencies, including the Isabela Coastal Development Office (ICDO), Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), Office of the Provincial Engineering (OPE), and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

Together, these agencies reaffirmed their shared commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of our IP brothers and sisters while ensuring that development projects remain inclusive and beneficial to all.

April 8, 2026 | Representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) met with the Isabela Coastal Development Office to discuss the upcoming Regional Climate-Resilient Agro-industry-Oriented Value Chain Analysis (I-VCA) for Tuna and Citrus in Cagayan Valley.

The meeting focused on clarifying the scope of the research, identifying essential data requirements, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of ICDO’s ongoing programs and initiatives supporting the fisheries sector, including tuna production. The agency’s initiative is expected to greatly benefit the Isabela coastal fisheries sector, reinforcing local capacities and promoting sustainable practices. This collaboration constitutes a strategic step toward strengthening climate-resilient and agro-industry-oriented value chains, thereby advancing the sustainable development of fisheries across the region.

Yesterday, our office held a productive staff meeting that combined a review of our first quarter activities with forward-looking planning for the next quarter.

The team reflected on the initiatives carried out during the first quarter, recognizing accomplishments and identifying areas for improvement. This assessment provided valuable insights that will guide our next steps and ensure that our programs continue to deliver meaningful results.

In addition, the planning discussions set a clear direction for the months ahead. The team focused on upcoming projects to further strengthen our initiatives, new collaborations with partner agencies and stakeholders, and preparations for a regionwide seminar-workshop that will bring together communities and experts to exchange knowledge and strategies.

These plans highlight our commitment to continuous improvement and to ensuring that our efforts remain responsive and effective.

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞: 𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬!

Every March 21, the world observes the International Day of Forests, established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the vital role forests play in sustaining life. It is a global reminder that forests are more than landscapes, they are living systems essential to our survival.

Forests regulate climate, protect watersheds, and shelter countless species. They provide food, medicine, and livelihoods to millions of people. Their preservation is not only ecological but also cultural, ensuring balance between humanity and nature.

In Isabela’s Northern Sierra Madre, one of the Philippines’ last great forest frontiers, biodiversity thrives. These forests safeguard indigenous communities and coastal ecosystems, linking upland rivers to mangroves and reefs. Protecting them is key to climate resilience and environmental stability.

On this day, we are called to act with urgency, support indigenous stewardship, protect remaining forests, and join restoration efforts. Each tree planted, each voice raised, strengthens the lifelines that sustain our present and future.

𝘿𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚: 𝘼 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨!

Yesterday, March 20, 2026, the shores and riverbanks of Barangay Dibulo and Sabangan breathed a sigh of relief as Dinapigue united for a massive River and Coastal Cleanup and Reforestation project.

The initiative was led by the Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and IPMR, with the strong support of national agencies including the PNP, Maritime Police, BFP, DENR, and the Coast Guard. Officials and employees from the LGU-Dinapigue, including MDRRMO staff, joined by women, youth and the indigenous peoples' communities, alongside the private sector represented by Dinapigue Mining Corporation (DMC).

From clearing waste along the riverbanks to planting seedlings that will grow into tomorrow’s forests, every action taken was a step toward resilience and sustainability. This united effort reflects Dinapigue’s commitment to protecting lifelines, restoring ecosystems, and building a greener future.

𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚: 𝘼 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨!

Yesterday, March 20, 2026, Palanan proudly made history. Led by the Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and with the strong participation of the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) Culasi, IP leaders from Barangays Alomanay, Dicabisagan West, Marikit, and San Isidro, staff from the Mayor’s Office, PCG, and PNP, the municipality carried out the Coordinated Simultaneous River and Coastal Cleanup and Reforestation Initiative.

In commemoration of the International Day of Action for Rivers (March 14) and in connection with the International Day of Forests (March 21), this united effort highlighted the vital link between rivers and forests, lifelines that sustain biodiversity, livelihoods, and communities.

The cleanup drive was conducted in Sitio Logpond, Barangay Culasi, while tree planting took place in an area within Culasi that has been established and maintained by the LGU through MENRO as a tree-growing zone. With unity and determination, the community planted 530 buton seedlings, strengthening Palanan’s commitment to climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚: 𝘼 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨!

Yesterday, March 20, 2026, Maconacon proudly made history. Led by the Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and IPMR, and with the strong participation of the BFP, PNP, PA, LDRRMO, Barangay Fely officials, Maconacon Central School teachers, YES-O pupils, women, youth, indigenous communities and concerned citizens, the municipality carried out the Coordinated Simultaneous River and Coastal Cleanup and Reforestation Initiative.

In commemoration of the International Day of Action for Rivers (March 14) and in connection with the International Day of Forests (March 21), this united effort highlighted the vital link between rivers and forests,lifelines that sustain biodiversity, livelihoods, and communities.

With 89 participants, the community planted 600 buton seedlings along the coast of Barangay Fely, an area designated as Maconacon’s proposed greenbelt zone. What made this effort truly remarkable was the spirit of volunteerism: no formal invitations were sent, yet teachers, pupils, and citizens came forward, requesting to join and contribute to the cause.

MENRO has committed to maintaining the cleanliness of the area and nurturing the seedlings planted, and those yet to be planted as part of its regular activities, ensuring that this initiative grows into a sustained legacy of stewardship.

𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚: 𝘼 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨!

Yesterday, March 20, 2026, Divilacan proudly made history. Led by the Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and IPMR, and with the strong participation of the BFP, PNP, PCG, Indigenous Peoples, Women, Youth, and LGU employees, the municipality carried out the Coordinated Simultaneous River and Coastal Cleanup and Reforestation Initiative.

This milestone was held in commemoration of the International Day of Action for Rivers (March 14) and in connection with the International Day of Forests (March 21), reminding us that rivers and forests are inseparably linked. Protecting upstream ecosystems safeguards coastal waters, fisheries, and communities, while restoring forests strengthens biodiversity and resilience against climate change.

Targeting the riparian zone of Dimapula stretching 3 kilometers and the Dimapula coastline covering approximately 3 kilometers, the people of Divilacan worked hand in hand to restore ecosystems. With unity and determination, 800 native seedlings were planted, symbolizing hope, resilience, and a lasting promise to future generations.

𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙖: 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚!

Today, March 20, 2026, a historic milestone was achieved. For the first time, a coordinated and simultaneous river and coastal clean-up and reforestation initiative was carried out across the coastal municipalities of Dinapigue, Palanan, Maconacon, and Divilacan. An unprecedented collective action led by the Provincial Government of Isabela through the Isabela Coastal Development Office (ICDO).

In partnership with the coastal Local Government Units (LGUs) through their Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENRO) and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), and in coordination with the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), this landmark initiative was successfully realized with the active participation of personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Teachers, and other local and national government agencies, together with non-governmental organizations, women, youth, and indigenous communities.

This first-ever coordinated simultaneous coastal effort stands as a powerful testament to unity and shared responsibility. From the uplands of the Sierra Madre to the coastal waters, communities came together with one purpose, to protect and restore the lifelines that sustain life and livelihoods.

Volunteers cleared rivers and coastlines of accumulated waste, planted native trees to restore biodiversity, and strengthened environmental awareness that will resonate across generations. Rooted in the urgent need to confront climate change and environmental degradation, this achievement reflects a collective commitment to safeguard ecosystems, build resilience, and secure a sustainable future.

More than a cleanup, this is a living legacy of solidarity and stewardship. A promise to future generations that the rivers, forests, and coasts of Isabela will be protected, valued, and sustained.

𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙖, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

In commemoration of the International Day of Action for Rivers, a global movement observed every March 14 to uphold the protection of rivers and the rights of communities that depend on them, Isabela reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding its vital ecosystems, reminding us that the Province is home to the Cagayan River, the longest river in the country. As rivers naturally flow toward and sustain our coastal waters, this initiative highlights their vital connection, emphasizing that protecting upstream ecosystems directly safeguards marine environments, fisheries, and coastal communities.

Rooted in the urgent need to address climate impacts and environmental degradation along the Sierra Madre and coastal areas, this initiative underscores the importance of collective action in protecting rivers as lifelines that sustain biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. On March 20, 2026, communities in Dinapigue, Palanan, Divilacan, and Maconacon will simultaneously conduct river and coastal clean-ups and native tree planting in their respective municipalities. This initiative, led by the Provincial Government of Isabela through the Isabela Coastal Development Office (ICDO), emerges as a concrete offshoot of the commitments shaped within the Indigenous Peoples Coastal Governance Network, translating dialogue into coordinated action on the ground. It is carried out in strong partnership with Coastal Local Government Units (LGUs) through their Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENRO) and Coastal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), and in close collaboration with the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) and NCIP Isabela, reflecting a unified and inclusive approach to stewardship.

Now, the challenge is ours to carry forward, beyond a single day of action. Let this not end on March 20, but grow into a sustained commitment in every community, every riverbank, and every coastline. May each effort we make today ignite deeper responsibility, reminding us that protecting our rivers and forests is not just a task, but a shared duty to future generations.