An international marine conservation group Oceana welcomed the signing of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) Law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., saying it will enhance marine conservation, food and livelihood security, and climate resilience.
The law, signed on August 29, officially establishes Panaon Island in Southern Leyte as a 61,204-hectare marine sanctuary covering the towns of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo. The island is part of the 50 priority reefs in the world identified as highly likely to withstand the severe impacts of climate change.
“The PIPS Law was forged by years of scientific research, persistent advocacy, local organizing, and community participation. This policy milestone defends marine biodiversity, enhances food security, and fights poverty. In essence, this law is a declaration that the protection of our oceans is an investment in our future and collective survival. Empowering communities to manage their seas sustainably should be part of the nation’s blueprint against poverty and hunger,” said Oceana Vice President Von Hernandez.
Panaon Island is home to endangered species, including whale sharks and the Philippine duck, and serves as a vital breeding and nursery ground for fish that sustain local communities’ food and livelihood security.
Hernandez emphasized that the law is also a strategic investment in climate resilience, citing that Panaon’s coral reefs have 60% excellent coral cover, three times higher than the national average of 20%.
“With Panaon Island’s protection strengthened, the Philippines takes a significant step toward meeting global biodiversity targets and building a resilient, inclusive blue economy that benefits both people and the planet,” he added.
The law mandates a comprehensive management plan involving local stakeholders, scientists, and government agencies to ensure that conservation efforts benefit both people and nature.
Southern Leyte 1st District Rep. Roger Mercado expressed support for the law, stressing the need to balance development and environmental protection.
“We will be more biased towards environmental protection because we want not only the benefits but also to sustain our advocacy to make our province progressive. For me, tourism and environmental protection should go hand in hand. It should already be accepted that the environment should be taken care of. We should not debate on that,” Mercado said.
Oceana noted that Panaon’s coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses act as natural buffers against storm surges and flooding while storing significant amounts of blue carbon, which helps mitigate climate change and supports global environmental goals.