CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) in Zambales, the lone marine protected area in Central Luzon, has been named finalist in the 2025 Para el Mar Awards to be held September 17–18 in Iloilo City.
Covering more than 7,500 hectares across Masinloc and Palauig, MOBPLS was declared a protected landscape and seascape under Republic Act 7586, or the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act.
The recognition is a result of the joint initiatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Protected Area Management Board, and local communities to advance integrated conservation while providing alternative livelihood for residents.
DENR Masinloc Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Donaver Guevarra said their programs include habitat management, biodiversity assessments, mangrove rehabilitation, and support for eco-friendly income sources such as mussel farming and fruit jam production.
“Along with community awareness and education initiatives, our team likewise ensures strict monitoring and patrolling to prevent illegal activities, such as the construction of unauthorized structures, marine pollution, ecosystem destruction, and destructive fishing practices,” he explained.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo lauded the nomination, emphasizing that it reflects the shared responsibility of partners and communities in safeguarding marine ecosystems.
“It affirms that when we work together, we can protect our marine heritage and inspire a new generation of stewards,” he said.
MOBPLS is a finalist in the Outstanding Locally Managed MPA category of the awards, which showcase effective governance, community empowerment, and science-based conservation.
The protected site is home to rare mangrove species such as Rhizophora stylosa and Rhizophora x lamarckii, thriving coral reefs, giant clams (Tridacna gigas), and the threatened blue-spotted rabbitfish (Siganus corallines) which serves as its flagship species.
It also serves as a nesting ground for marine turtles and harbors mesophotic coral communities.
The Para el Mar Awards is a performance-based incentive program launched in 2007 organized by the Marine Protected Areas Support Network.
Finalists are evaluated through site validation and scoring based on management effectiveness, ecological integrity, and stakeholder participation.(CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)
