The United States government, in partnership with more than 60 civil society organizations (CSOs), convened for the first-ever CSO Summit in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan to coordinate action for marine biodiversity conservation and protection in the coastal areas of Northern Luzon, Mindoro, and Palawan that face the South China Sea.

United States Agency for International Development (USAid) Mission Director Ryan Washburn led the CSO Summit during his visit to Palawan from March 1 to 3. This visit highlighted the US government's continued commitment to supporting local stakeholders in conserving biodiversity and protecting marine resources from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities of domestic and foreign fleets.