For 10 years, Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) has been recognizing the dedication of volunteer Bantay Dagats—or community sea rangers—who protect our coastal waters and marine resources.
Started in 2016, MFI’s annual rice incentive provides a cavan of rice every six months to each active sea ranger in our conservation-partner communities in Northern Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, and Batangas City. This is one of several forms of support extended to the families of fisherfolk who volunteer their time to safeguard their communities’ waters.
These community-based sea rangers play a critical role in protecting marine protected areas and fisheries management zones. They conduct regular patrols, monitor coastal waters, help enforce local fisheries regulations, and prevent destructive and illegal fishing practices that threaten marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Their work is often carried out quietly and voluntarily—sometimes in challenging conditions, with limited resources. Yet their commitment has remained steadfast because they understand that protecting the ocean means protecting their families, communities, and future generations.
A Decade of Protection, A Sea of Change
The impact of their continued stewardship is increasingly visible.
After more than 10 years of continuous management and protection in many of our partner sites, biological restoration is becoming evident. Fish abundance has increased, coral reefs are showing signs of recovery, and top predators and endangered marine species are returning to areas where they had become scarce.
These improvements demonstrate what sustained community action can achieve. When local fishers become stewards of the waters they depend on, and when communities are supported in managing their marine resources, the ocean can recover.
The annual rice incentive is a simple gesture of appreciation—but behind every cavan of rice is a message of gratitude: your service matters, your families matter, and the ocean is healthier because of your commitment.
To all our Bantay Dagats and community sea rangers: thank you for being our heroes of the ocean!
