PUERTO PRINCESA (PIA) — Three of the protected areas in the Mimaropa region are conferred “Blue Park” Awardees, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.
These are the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in the municipality of Cagayancillo, Siete Pecados in the municipality of Coron, both in Palawan, and the Apo Reef Natural Park in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on July 16, Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol Jr. said the Blue Park Award is a distinction given to efforts of local players for the sustainable management of these marine resources by the international organization– the Marine Conservation Institute.
The Tubbataha Reef Natural Park was awarded the Platinum award in 2017 for being the home of more than 1,200 marine species in the world.
The Siete Pecados was awarded the Silver award in 2024 for the establishment of the 1.8-square kilometer marine area to conserve and protect the coastal ecosystem of Coron.
On the other hand, the Apo Reef Natural Park got the highest award in 2022, the Platinum award, for protecting the second-largest contiguous coral reef and the second-largest no-take zone in the world, not only in the Philippines.
Mirasol said that there are 18 designated protected areas in the region, nine of which are located in Palawan, two each in Romblon and Marinduque, four in Occidental Mindoro, and one in Oriental Mindoro.
“We have 18 designated protected areas, which are home of unique richness of biodiversity. Wildlife, flora and fauna species and the various ecosystems including the coastal and marine ecosystem is worthy of conservation, and protection for present and future generations,” Mirasol said.
The 18 protected areas are the Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape, Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Palawan Flora and Fauna (P1 & P2), Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park, Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, El Nido-Taytay Managed Resources Protected Area, Calauit Island Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary; Calsanag Watershed Forest Reserve, Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park, Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary, Torrijos Watershed forest Reserve, Naujan Lake National Park, Apo Reef Natural Park, FB Harrison Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, Mt. Iglit-Baco Natural Park, and Mt. Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary.
The DENR is closely working with its partners to ensure sustainable use of natural resources and conserve biodiversity. (OCJ/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
