TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Science and Technology Region VIII (DOST-8), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office-Southern Leyte, has partnered with Oceana Philippines International to safeguard the rich marine ecosystem of Panaon Island Seascape, a critical biodiversity hotspot in Southern Leyte.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on December 17, 2024, committing both organizations to collaborate on the conservation of Panaon Island’s marine environment. The initiative aims to ensure sustainable benefits for communities relying on the island’s resources.
Representing DOST-8 at the signing ceremony was Provincial Science and Technology Director for Southern Leyte, Dr. Ramil Uy, on behalf of Regional Director Dr. John Glenn Ocaña while Oceana Philippines was represented by Vice President Atty. Gloria Ramos and Marine Protected Area Campaign Lead Atty. Ma. Nikka Andrea Oquias.
Board Member Myra Rentuza, chair of the Provincial Board’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Committee, also attended the event.
“This partnership reinforces our commitment to protecting Panaon Island’s unique marine ecosystems while ensuring that local communities benefit from sustainable practices,” said Uy.
Spanning 62,478.50 hectares, Panaon Island Seascape is celebrated for its exceptional marine biodiversity. Surveys show that 41% of the island’s coral reefs have a hard coral cover exceeding 50%, an increasingly rare find in the Philippines.
However, Panaon Island’s marine ecosystem faces significant threats, including overfishing, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, marine debris, and illegal fishing activities.
These stressors have depleted fish stocks and risk large-scale habitat degradation, underscoring the need for immediate conservation efforts.
While the Philippines has 114 legislated protected areas, many critical ecosystems like Panaon Island Seascape await formal protection.
House Bill 6677, authored by Southern Leyte Representatives Christopherson Yap and Luz Mercado, seeks to declare Panaon Island as a protected seascape.
Its counterpart in the Senate, Senate Bill 1690, titled the “Panaon Island Protected Seascape Act of 2023” and authored by Senator Cynthia Villar, remains pending. Once enacted, the legislation will provide Panaon Island with the necessary legal framework and resources to ensure its long-term conservation.
“This collaboration is not just about protecting marine life; it is about ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from our natural heritage,” said Atty. Ramos of Oceana Philippines.
The joint efforts of DOST-8 and Oceana Philippines serve as a vital step in preserving one of the Philippines’ last bastions of marine biodiversity while addressing the urgent need for sustainable marine management.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
