The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Aklan and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), successfully hosted the First Session of the Executive Bureau of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) from 9 to 12 June 2025 at Crimson Resort and Spa, Boracay.
The high-level event, presided over by UCLG ASPAC President and ULAP President, Quirino Governor Dax Cua, gathered about 200 local government leaders, policymakers, and international partners from across the Asia-Pacific region to advance regional cooperation on Integrated Coastal Management (ICM), Blue Economy, and Sustainable Urban Development.
“The challenges of our time—climate change, rapid urbanization, marine degradation—require local governments to lead with both innovation and accountability.”
With the theme “Integrated Coastal Management: Promoting Blue Economy for Sustainable Development,” the session featured the UCLG ASPAC’s executive bureau meeting and parallel policy forums ICM, Blue Economy, Circular Economy, and Water Resources Management.
“The challenges of our time—climate change, rapid urbanization, marine degradation—require local governments to lead with both innovation and accountability,” said Gov. Cua. “This Executive Bureau session is a testament to the growing voice of local governments in shaping regional and global solutions.”
The event also reaffirmed the Philippines’ leadership in regional local governance networks, with DILG Assistant Secretary Jesi Howard S. Lanete and Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores expressing continued support for multilateral collaboration and local capacity-building.
The event was also supported by the Australian Government and The Asia Foundation, as well as sponsorships from Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation – CCLEX, PAG-IBIG Fund, and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines.
The event highlighted that even across coastal management and maritime governance, the future is local.
