General Santos City — The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) convened its second en banc meeting on December 4, showcasing significant strides in conservation and management initiatives within this vital marine biodiversity hotspot.
The gathering brought together PAMB members, technical working committees, and distinguished guests, including DENR Undersecretary for Organizational Transformation and Human Resources, Augusto D. Dela Peña, who served as the keynote speaker.
Highlighting Conservation Milestones
A series of reports underscored the board’s progress over recent years, beginning with coral bleaching assessments conducted from 2019 to 2024. These assessments provide critical insights into the health of Sarangani Bay’s coral ecosystems, serving as a foundation for targeted restoration and resilience-building measures.
The meeting also featured results from surveys assessing community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), emphasizing the importance of local engagement in conservation efforts. Additionally, updates on enforcement measures were presented, alongside an impressive record of 147 resolutions ratified by the board.
DENR Undersecretary Dela Peña lauded the SBPS-PAMB as one of the most dynamic PAMBs in the country. He praised their accomplishments, particularly the substantial increase in Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) collections for 2024. Reflecting on the board’s success, he remarked, “In order to do good, you need to do well,” highlighting the intersection of effective governance and impactful conservation.
Collaboration and Collective Commitment
Atty. Felix S. Alicer, DENR-12 Regional Executive Director and PAMB-SBPS Chair, attributed the board’s success to the collective dedication of its members. “These achievements reflect our shared commitment to the protection and preservation of Sarangani Bay,” Alicer stated. He called for continued support of partnerships and initiatives aimed at safeguarding natural resources, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable outcomes.
The Role of SBPS in National Conservation
As one of the Philippines’ most celebrated marine protected areas, the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, supporting numerous marine species and serving as a livelihood source for coastal communities.
The board’s efforts are pivotal in addressing challenges such as coral bleaching, pollution, and illegal fishing, ensuring the bay’s ecological and economic sustainability.
A Path Forward
The meeting served as both a reflection of past successes and a roadmap for the future. With increased IPAF collections, community involvement, and strengthened enforcement measures, the SBPS-PAMB continues to set a benchmark for marine conservation in the Philippines.
The message from the second en banc meeting is clear: through collaboration, dedication, and innovative practices, the preservation of Sarangani Bay is not only a shared responsibility but a testament to what can be achieved when stakeholders unite for a common purpose.