Marcos declares Panaon Island a protected seascape

TACLOBAN CITY , Philippines —  President Marcos has signed into law a bill declaring the waters around Panaon Island in Southern Leyte a protected seascape on Friday.

The Panaon Island protected seascape (PIPS) was identified as part of the 50 priority reefs in the world that are highly likely to suffer the devastating impacts of climate change.

International marine conservation group Oceana welcomed the enactment of PIPS, saying the law defends marine biodiversity, enhances food security and fights poverty.

“The PIPS law was forged by years of scientific research, persistent advocacy, local organizing and community participation. In essence, this law is a declaration that the protection of our oceans is an investment in our future and collective survival,” Oceana vice president Von Hernandez said.

According to Hernandez, Panaon Island’s reefs were found to have 60 percent “very good” coral cover, which is three times above the national average of around 20 percent.

The PIPS spans over 61,204 hectares covering the towns of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan and San Ricardo in Southern Leyte.

The seascape is not only home to endangered species, such as whale sharks and the Philippine duck, but also serves as crucial breeding and nursery grounds for fish that sustain the local communities’ food and livelihood security.