10/10/2025
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Four marine protected areas (MPAs) in Palawan was recognized during an awarding of outstanding MPAs in the Philippines, organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network (MSN) and other organizations.
During the 2025 Para El MAR event with the theme βBantay Karagatan, Bantay Kinabukasan: Local Action for Biodiversity and the Future.β The 10th Para El MAR (MPA Awards & Recognition), held in Iloilo with more than 200 participants, four Palawan-based MPAs was among the 30 awardees-MPAs.
Since 2007, the Para El MAR honors communities, organizations, MPA managers and practitioners, and leaders whose dedication safeguards the nationβs rich coastal and marine resources. This yearβs Para El MAR not only recognizes exemplary achievements but also highlights the continuing collective effort of local communities in protecting biodiversity, sustaining fisheries, and strengthening climate resilience.
Awarded as the Best Mangrove Award Champion is the Balisungan Marine Protected Area β Women-Managed Area based in Coron, Palawan
Accepting the award for the Balisungan Marine Protected Area, Ms. Imelda S. Mazo, President of the Shalom Womenβs Biodiversity Conservation Association, Inc.
Other awardees from Palawan under Outstanding Locally Managed MPAs were Concepcion-Sagrada-Bogtong MPA in Busuanga Palawan, Bulalacao Island MPA in Coron Palawan, Pangatalan Island MPA in Taytay Palawan.
Concepcion-Sagrada-Bogtong MPA likewise received another award which is the Pacific Environment Largest MPA award, with the largest core zone or no-take zone where no extractive activities are allowed and strict protection is enforced, as officially defined in their municipal ordinance.
The Largest Effectively-Managed MPA encompasses Pacific Environmentβs vision to provide a model that can be replicated to both advance conservation outcomes and benefit the people who most depend on the health of our oceans: the coastal communities across the region and the world.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Assistant Director Isidro Velayo lauded the collaboration of the local government units, fidherfolk and partners that make the protection of coastal areas possible.
βYour work proves that local action drives real change. You have shown that collaboration restores marine life, sustains fisheries, and strengthens coastal resilience. You inspire others to follow, innovate, and protect our shared resources,β he said.
βLet us do more than celebrateβ¦Let us rise as guardians of our oceans, champions of biodiversity, and stewards of food security. Let us ensure that our coasts remain vibrant, our seas abundant, and our future β bright.β he urged.
Dr. Michael Atrigenio, President of the Marine Environment and Resources Foundation (MERF), has reminded that conserving 30% of land and ocean by 2030 is a formidable yet achievable goal if pursued through collective effort. He underscored the role of effective marine protected area management as the most impactful area-based strategy to address the fishery crisis β especially in the Philippines, where millions depend on fisheries for both livelihood and food security. He concluded by challenging stakeholders to expand fully protected zones into offshore areas to combat unsustainable fishing, safeguard biodiversity, and stem environmental degradation.
Via Gerardo Reyes | Palawan Daily News
