<![CDATA[Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationship between community participation and the effectiveness of adaptive governance in the coastal areas of Cebu, Philippines. It seeks to identify factors influencing participation and evaluate the governance models that contribute to sustainable resource management in these vulnerable regions. Subjects and Methods: The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Surveys were administered to local community members to assess their awareness, participation, and perceptions of governance effectiveness. Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including local leaders, government officials, and NGOs, to gain deeper insights into the challenges and enablers of community engagement. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and thematic analysis. Results: The study found that high levels of community awareness and a preference for community-based and ecosystem-based governance strategies were associated with higher participation in resource management activities. However, barriers such as lack of capacity building, poor information dissemination, and political conflicts hindered full engagement. Key predictors of participation included age, fishing dependency, and awareness of resource management policies. Thematic analysis revealed that local knowledge and inclusive governance models are crucial for effective resource management. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of enhancing community participation through targeted capacity-building programs, improved communication strategies, and overcoming resource constraints. Strengthening inclusive governance frameworks can enable coastal communities to manage their resources effectively, adapt to environmental changes, and achieve sustainable outcomes.]]>
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