THE Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) has recently won first place in the Outstanding Locally Managed Marine Protected Area (MPA) category at the prestigious 2025 Para El Mar Awards in IloIlo City.
Covering more than 7,500 hectares across the municipalities of Masinloc and Palauig, MOBPLS, the only legislated marine protected area in Central Luzon, was established under Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018.
Through the leadership of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) headed by Donaver Guevarra, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer in Masinloc, MOBPLS has become a model for integrated conservation and sustainable management.
Guevarra said the recognition reflects the success of participatory environmental governance that fosters long-term sustainability and stewardship.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo lauded the achievement, calling it a “triumph of collaboration” among DENR offices, local government units, people’s organizations, and community stakeholders.
“The recognition of MOBPLS as one of the country’s successful locally managed marine protected area affirms that when we work together, we can protect our marine heritage and inspire a new generation of environmental stewards,” Pablo said.
He emphasized that the award will inspire the DENR and its partners to sustain and expand collaborative efforts in marine conservation, ensuring that the success of MOBPLS will be replicated in other protected areas in the region and beyond.
“This honor strengthens our resolve to continue our reforestation, coastal protection, and biodiversity conservation efforts so we can build healthier, greener, and more resilient coastal communities for generations to come,” Pablo remarked.
MOBPLS will also receive one million pesos worth of programs, activities and projects. According to Guevarra, the prize will be used to further enhance the coral cover, seagrass beds and mangrove forest including the intensification of law enforcement and climate resiliency of the protected area.
Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape in Sarangani province hailed as the most oustanding MPA while Cuatro Islas Potected Landscape and Seascape in Leyte won the 2nd place.
Organized by the Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN), the Para El Mar Awards recognize excellence in marine biodiversity conservation, governance, and community participation. The recognition serves as a performance-based incentive mechanism for local government units and community-led initiatives across the country. (Manny D. Balbin)
Source: DENR Central Luzon
