Sea cucumber mariculture has become a significant area of research in coastal tropics, driven by the diminishing sea cucumber fisheries supplying the Asian dried seafood market. In the Philippines, the culture of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) has been adopted in small-scale community–based efforts in restocking and stock enhancement, despite limited technical and financial resources. With the rise of global sea cucumber aquaculture, examining the most effective organizational structures for sea cucumber mariculture is a crucial aspect of research in this field, given the diverse arrangements currently being utilized. In the Philippines, municipal waters (15 km from shore) are under the management of the local government unit (LGU). This study provides an overview of an LGU–led approach in the establishment of the two sandfish restocking sites. Trials were conducted in Pilar, Bolinao and Bayambang, Infanta over a two–year period to develop demonstration sites that can facilitate adoption of sandfish culture in nearby localities. Within this period, local cooperators designated by the LGU were trained in ocean nursery and grow-out of sandfish including growth and survival monitoring. The process undertaken and culture technology used in both sites were similar, but the outcomes varied substantially due to the differences in implementation and sustainability approaches by the two LGUs. Qualitative assessments across economic, ecological, and social dimensions were analyzed to compare the two sites. Ecological and social aspects were positive in Infanta, while the willingness to engage and motivation to collaborate between the two sites largely differed. The restocking site in Bayambang, Infanta is now a continuing site for juvenile release and grow out due to sustained financial support and manpower resources from the local government unit. However, economic outcomes are yet to be realized for Infanta. To sustain and improve the potential benefits of an LGU-led restocking site, governance structures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, increased integration with fisheries management and government support will be essential. Co-management arrangements with local community organizations and external partners is important to scale-up sustainable sandfish culture production and stock restoration. In conjunction with improved management of the multi-species sea cucumber fishery, sea cucumber resources can be restored or enhanced and become a sustainable source of supplemental income for fisher households. This can incentivize and promote the management of nearshore ecosystems and other associated invertebrate resources therein which contributes substantially to domestic food security.