CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- In a remarkable achievement for marine conservation efforts in the Philippines, the Ranzo Marine Protected Area (MPA) from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, has been recognized as the second-best locally managed MPA in the country.
This prestigious acknowledgment comes as a testament to the dedicated efforts of the local community and authorities in safeguarding the precious marine ecosystems off the coast of Ranzo.
The announcement was made during the recent Para El Mar 2023 held in the Bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu, on September 27-28, where marine conservation experts, government officials, and environmental advocates convened to recognize the efforts of individuals and groups in conserving the diverse marine life in their respective areas.
Pinamalayan Municipal Agriculturist Danny Villacrusis together with the members of the Sangguniang Barangay of Ranzo and Bantay Dagat receive the cash prize amounting to P75,000 and plaque of recognition. (Photo courtesy of Working Mayor ng Bayan Facebook Page)
Pinamalayan Municipal Agriculture Officer Danny Villacrusis, representative of Mayor Aristeo Baldos Jr., received the plaque of recognition. The municipality also received a cash prize amounting to P75,000 for the said award.
Meanwhile, the Maasin Fish Sanctuary of the municipality of Bulalacao garnered 6th place out of the 9 finalists for this year’s competition.
It can be recalled that almost all municipalities and their bodies of waters have been affected by the recent incident of an oil spill brought about by the sinking of MT Princess Empress in the province.
However, with the swift action and decisive leadership of both the locals and the government, they prevented further damage to their fish sanctuaries by placing improvised spill booms in their respective areas.
Both Ranzo and Maasin Fish Sanctuary will be recognized during the celebration of the 73rd Founding Anniversary of the Province of Oriental Mindoro on November 13. (JJGS/PIA Mimaropa - Oriental Mindoro)
