IBA, Zambales (PIA) — The Zambales Marine Protected Area Network (ZAMPAN) has expanded with the addition of two marine protected areas (MPAs), reinforcing efforts to conserve marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fisheries in the province.
Following the approval of ZAMPAN Resolution No. 1, Series of 2026 issued by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the Calanga Reef Marine Protected Area in the municipality of Iba and the Rabaw-ti-Bato Marine Protected Area in the municipality of San Narciso officially joined the network.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Zambales chief Marife Castillo said the two MPAs were endorsed for inclusion because of their ecological importance as coral reef ecosystems that serve as breeding, spawning, nursery, and feeding grounds for various marine species.
“Protecting these areas as part of a larger network strengthens habitat connectivity, improves ecosystem resilience, and supports coordinated management of coastal resources across municipalities,” Castillo said.
The expanded network is expected to help restore fish populations by protecting critical marine habitats where marine species reproduce and mature.
As fish stocks recover, nearby fishing grounds may also benefit through the natural movement of adult fish and the dispersal of larvae, helping improve food security and support the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The initiative also complements the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts to advance environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said expanding the province’s network of marine protected areas is an important step in protecting coastal ecosystems while supporting communities that rely on marine resources.
“Healthy marine ecosystems are the foundation of productive fisheries and resilient coastal communities. By expanding ZAMPAN, we are strengthening ecosystem protection while supporting the long-term well-being of the people whose lives and livelihoods depend on our marine resources,” Pablo said.
ZAMPAN was established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2013 between the DENR and the Provincial Government of Zambales.
The network serves as a collaborative platform that brings together the DENR, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Provincial Government of Zambales, the Provincial Agriculture Office, and the local government units of Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, Palauig, Botolan, Cabangan, San Felipe, San Antonio, Subic, Iba, and San Narciso to strengthen marine conservation and coastal resource management across the province. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
