Three conservation partner sites of the Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) earned national recognition at the 2025 Para El Mar Awards, securing 1st and 2nd place in the Locally-Managed Marine Protected Area (MPA) category and a special citation for enforcement excellence.
1st Place: Ranzo Fish Sanctuary, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
The Ranzo Fish Sanctuary clinched 1st place, marking a significant milestone in its conservation journey. A partner site of MFI since 2013, Ranzo has consistently demonstrated excellence in marine protection and community-led management.
This latest recognition builds on its previous achievements at Para El Mar—3rd place in 2019 and 2nd place in 2023—highlighting years of sustained effort to protect coastal resources and strengthen local stewardship.
2nd Place: Pulong Bato Fishery Refuge and Sanctuary, Isla Verde, Batangas City
Securing 2nd place is the Pulong Bato Fishery Refuge and Sanctuary, an MFI partner site since 2017. Strategically located at the heart of the globally significant Verde Island Passage, the sanctuary plays a vital role in safeguarding one of the world’s centers of marine biodiversity.
With MFI’s support, Pulong Bato underwent a major expansion in 2020—growing from 1.7 hectares to 539 hectares—strengthening protection efforts and enhancing ecological impact across a wider marine area.
Special Award: Punta Ilag Fish Sanctuary, San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro
The Punta Ilag Fish Sanctuary, also an MFI conservation partner since 2013, received the Best in Enforcement Award. This distinction recognizes the sanctuary’s strong compliance mechanisms, active patrols, and effective implementation of marine protection policies—key elements in ensuring long-term conservation success.
Recognizing Excellence in Marine Protection
Held every two years, the Para El Mar Awards honors the country’s best-managed MPAs and MPA networks across the Philippine archipelago. The awards spotlight local government units, people’s organizations, and community leaders whose commitment to marine conservation delivers measurable environmental and social impact.
The strong performance of MFI partner sites at the 2025 national awards reflects more than institutional support—it underscores the power of community-driven conservation. Through sustained partnerships, capacity building, and collaborative management, these coastal communities continue to protect marine ecosystems that provide food security, livelihoods, and resilience for future generations.
