The Panaon Island in Southern Leyte exhibits very good coral cover due to the presence of exceptional but endangered marine biodiversity such as whale sharks and sea turtles. (Photo by Rommel Cabrera/Oceana)
MANILA, Philippines — Marine biodiversity experts are urging Congress to pass the bill declaring Panaon Island in Southern Leyte as a “protected seascape” to safeguard it from threats.
The bill was approved on the third and final reading in the House of Representatives. In the Senate, there are currently 11 pending Protected Area bills sponsored by Senator Cynthia Villar.
READ: House OKs bill declaring Panaon Island a protected area
“We are looking forward to the upcoming approval of the bill that will unify and declare Panaon Island as a protected seascape,” Pintuyan, Southern Leyte Mayor Ricarte Estrella’s statement read.
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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently committed to the 30×30 global conservation pledge where at least 30 percent of the planet’s lands and marine biodiversity are protected.
“This will significantly help alleviate the persisting challenges in implementing regulations for marine protected areas and encourage the participation of locals—particularly the coastal barangays that can be resource managers,” Estrella said.
Atty. Gloria Ramos, vice president of the international organization Oceana, shared the same sentiment.
“The swift approval of these bills is crucial in the sustainable management and protection of these vital areas. This will embed stewardship and enhance governance, law enforcement, citizen participation, collaboration, and support from national agencies and local governments,” she said.
In 2021, Oceana reported that coral reefs off Panaon Island had 60 percent of “very good” coral cover, but these reefs were destroyed by Typhoon Odette and illegal marine activities.
Moreover, illegal fishing remains a serious problem that may badly affect the coral reefs, said Raul Cordova, Barangay Captain of Son-ok 1, Pintuyan.
“This causes significant damage to coral reefs and other marine life. If this situation continues, we fishermen in Panaon will really struggle with our livelihood, as we rely solely on the sea,” he said.