ALABEL, Sarangani — The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) has officially begun implementing a new permitting system for all motorized boats operating within the protected marine area.
Through PAMB-SBPS Resolution No. 2022-010, a total of 754 registered vessels from seven coastal municipalities—Malapatan (228), Glan (146), General Santos City (112), Maitum (124), Alabel (74), Kiamba (50), and Maasim (20)—are now subject to the regulation. The policy applies to all motorized vessels used for fishing, transport, or tourism, including those that merely pass through or seek temporary shelter in SBPS waters.
The new permitting system aims to ensure that all maritime activities within the seascape are conducted legally, sustainably, and in compliance with environmental standards. Vessels must secure a permit from PAMB before operating in the area, and violators—particularly those entering Strict Protection Zones (SPZs) or engaging in illegal practices such as wildlife trafficking or destructive fishing—face penalties.
PAMB Chairperson Atty. Felix S. Alicer emphasized the importance of the policy in preserving Sarangani Bay’s marine biodiversity. “This initiative is a proactive step toward safeguarding the ecological integrity of Sarangani Bay while recognizing the livelihoods that depend on it,” Alicer said. “With over 750 motorized boats operating across our coastal communities, regulation is key to balancing access with protection.”
The SBPS Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) is urging all boat operators, fisherfolk, and marine transport stakeholders to comply with the permit requirement. Officials stress that registration not only ensures legal operation but also contributes to long-term efforts to protect the bay’s marine ecosystems.
Sarangani Bay, declared a protected seascape in 1996, is known for its rich marine life and diverse coastal habitats. The introduction of the boat permitting system is part of broader conservation efforts to maintain the ecological health of the area amid increasing human activity and environmental threats.