Bantay Karagatan, Bantay Kinabukasan: Local Action for Biodiversity and the Future

Iloilo City- — “Let Para el MAR be a space for collaboration, learning, and renewed hope.” These were the words of Ms. Edwina Garchitorena, Country Director of the Zoological Society of London-Philippines to officially open the 2025 Para el MAR celebration themed, Bantay Karagatan, Bantay Kinabukasan: Local Action for Biodiversity and the Future.

The 10 th Para el MAR (MPA Awards & Recognition), organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network (MSN) and coinciding with the network’s 20th anniversary, was held on September 17 –18 , 2025, at the Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City, drawing over 200 participants. First held in 2007, the Para el MAR has since been held biennially as a hallmark of excellence and innovation in marine conservation. It honors communities, organizations, MPA managers and practitioners, and leaders whose dedication safeguards the nation’s rich coastal and marine resources. This year’s 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.

Who Are This Year’s Para El MAR Winners?

Best Mangrove Award Champion:

Balisungan Marine Protected Area-Women-managed Area, Coron, Palawan

Accepting the award for the Balisungan Marine Protected Area,

Ms. Imelda S. Mazo, President of the Shalom Women’s Biodiversity Conservation Association, Inc. thanked all the partners that helped them along the way, making their success possible.

Outstanding Network 1st Place:

Southern Negros Coastal Development Management Council (SNCDMC)

Accepting the award for the SNCDMC, Mr. Roderico Bolo, Information Officer of SNCDMC and Senior EMS of City ENRO, thanked all the partners that provided them with support and
closed his speech with a reminder that, “With cooperation, networks work. Conservation and our advocacies will still continue, including our struggles.”

Outstanding NIPAS MPA Award Champion: Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS)

The Protected Area Superintendent, Mr. Cirilo A. Lagnason Jr., accepted the award on behalf of the SBPS, saying,

“Inaalay po naman itong award na ito, not only to the Protected Area Management Board, but to the people of Sarangani, to the communities – the fishermen who depend on the
Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. This is not only recognition – this is a testament…something that will be treasured for the rest of our service in SBPS.”

Outstanding Locally-managed MPA 1st Place: Ranzo Fish Sanctuary, Pinalamayan, Oriental Mindoro

“At last!” exclaimed Mr. Rodolfo Magsino, Municipal Mayor of LGU Pinamalayan, as he accepted the award for the Ranzo Fish Sanctuary. He expressed his sincere gratitude for the unwavering support of the Bantay Dagat (fish wardens), the local government, community members of Barangay Ranzo, and all others who contributed to the sanctuary’s success. After several attempts as a
contender in previous years, Ranzo Fish Sanctuary was finally named this year’s winner. “For the very first time, I’m proud to be a Pinamalenyo from Oriental Mindoro,” Mayor Magsino declared, “To God be the glory!”

Special citations:
1. Best in Enforcement Award for Locally-managed MPA (sponsored by Oceana

● Winner: Punta Ilag Fish Sanctuary, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro

2. Best In Enforcement Award for NIPAS MPA (Sponsored by Oceana)
● Winner: Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape
The Best in Enforcement awards are given to the MPAs that demonstrated outstanding commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding their water for the benefit of both
nature and the community.

3. Savior of the Sea Award (sponsored by PNP-Maritime Group)

● Winner: Ranzo Fish Sanctuary, Pinalamayan, Oriental Mindoro

The Most Outstanding Locally Managed MPA is also the automatic recipient of the Savior of the Sea Award. The PNP Maritime Group takes pride in recognizing the valuable efforts of an MPA whose dedication and commitment have significantly contributed to the protection of our marine environment and promotion of sustainable seas.

4. Largest MPA Award (sponsored by Pacific Environment)
● Winner: Concepcion-Sagrada-Bogtong MPA, Busuanga, Palawan

The Largest MPA Award is given to the LMMPA 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. This is to incentivize the locally-managed MPA that looks at both the quantity and quality of the MPA yielding positive outcomes for fisheries and marine biodiversity and conservation. The Largest Effectively-Managed MPA encompasses Pacific Environment’s 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.