26/08/2025
After a year of heartfelt dedication and hands-on learning, the Kalalawdan Fellowship under Project 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗨𝗦 has come to a meaningful close. This journey took us deep into the lives of local coastal communities, aboard a scientific cruise across Manila Bay, into the halls of the House of Representatives, and all the way to Australia for a rich maritime exchange visit.
Now, we’re excited to share the story of this fellowship in the form of a white paper, a reflection of every experience, lesson, and insight gathered along the way. Most importantly, this paper highlights the policy proposals developed by the Lawod fellows from various academic institutions and government agencies focusing on four policy research areas: 1) MSR Framework; 2) Institutionalization of NARFleet; 3) MPAs in WPS; and 4) Climate Change Impact, which provide innovative and proactive recommendations for the Philippine seas.
The proposals include the following title:
1. Charting the Course: National Framework for Advancing Marine Scientific Research (MSR) in the Philippines
2. Setting Sails: Institutionalizing the National Academic Research Fleet to Enhance the Role of Marine Scientific Research in Philippine Archipelagic Governance
3. Instituting NIPAS in the WPS: A Case for Establishing Offshore Marine Protected Areas in the Kalayaan Island Group
4. Science for Survival: Reaffirming Commitment to Science-Based and Participatory Climate Resilience and DRRM Planning through Legislative Oversight
To read the full white paper, simply scan the QR code on this graphic or visit the link provided.
👉https://drive.google.com/file/d/1exafdXmR_5bHzo-BG30RJtwzllUXK7zy/view?usp=drivesdk
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Project NEXUS is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by The Asia Foundation through the Waypoints Program, in partnership with the University of the Philippines The Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) and the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF), Inc.
