Glan, Sarangani Province — A rare and heartening sighting of a live dugong (Dugong dugon), one of the Philippines’ most endangered marine mammals, was documented on August 19, 2025, at around 10:30 a.m. in the waters of Glan, Sarangani.
The sighting took place during the 3rd Quarter Coral Reef Monitoring conducted by the Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS). The monitoring team first spotted the dugong surfacing near their boat within a Strict Protection Zone. Using a drone, they were able to capture footage of the gentle sea cow gracefully swimming and feeding on seagrass meadows—clear evidence of the bay’s importance as a feeding ground for the species.
This encouraging observation came just days after a dead dugong was discovered in Barangay Burias, Glan, on August 15. A necropsy revealed the animal’s body was in good condition, with no clear cause of death identified—underscoring the fragility of this vulnerable species. Despite the setback, the live sighting in San Jose reaffirmed the continuing presence of dugongs in Sarangani Bay and highlighted the ecological value of its protected zones.
Dugongs, often called “sea cows,” are considered flagship species of Sarangani Bay. Their survival indicates the health of seagrass ecosystems, which also serve as critical habitats for other marine life. The PAMO-SBPS stressed that conserving dugongs goes hand in hand with protecting seagrass beds and coral reefs—vital ecosystems that provide food security and livelihoods for coastal communities.
“We see the dugong as a symbol of hope,” the PAMO-SBPS emphasized, renewing its call for communities, fisherfolk, and local sectors to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding marine habitats. Protecting dugongs not only preserves biodiversity but also ensures that future generations can still witness the serene presence of these gentle giants gliding through Sarangani Bay.
As threats such as habitat loss, accidental entanglement, and climate change continue to endanger dugong populations worldwide, every sighting in Philippine waters becomes a reminder of the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts. In Sarangani, the return of the dugong serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope—proof that with collective stewardship, the sea cow can continue to thrive in its natural home.