By E.H. EDEJER | September 19, 2025

MASINLOC, Zambales — The Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS) ran away with first place in the recently concluded “Para El Mar” 2025 marine conservation awards, the Masinloc Tourism Office announced on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The MOBPLS—the first and only legislated marine protected area (MPA) in Central Luzon—placed second to the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), which was declared champion in the competition held Sept. 17-18 in Iloilo City.

Four other MPA-finalists vied for the coveted title of Outstanding Locally Managed MPA: Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape, Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape in Davao de Oro, Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park in Isabela, and Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape (CIPLS) in Leyte.

The CIPLS emerged second place in the competition.

The “Para El Mar” (For the Sea) awards is held every two years to honor the best locally-managed protected area networks in the country and recognize initiatives in the maintenance, protection and conservation of marine resources.

MOBPLS was nominated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region III, citing its emergence “as a model for integrated conservation.”

Masinloc Bay harbors rare mangrove species like Rhizophora stylosa and the hybrid Rhizophora x lamarckii, the threatened blue-spotted rabbitfish (Siganus corallines), giant clams (Tridacna gigas), and mesophotic corals that thrive in low-light conditions.

The bay where San Salvador Island—famous for its sweet mango fruits and beach resorts—is also an important eco-tourism attraction here.

DENR-III Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the nomination of MOBPLS as “Para El Mar” finalist “highlights the value of collaborative governance, community empowerment, and science-based conservation” made by the agency and the local Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

Masinloc Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer and PAMB head Donaver Guevarra said conservation efforts in the MOBPLS focused on management, law enforcement, biodiversity assessment, mangrove rehabilitation, as well as biodiversity-friendly livelihood programs.

“Along with community awareness and education initiatives, our team likewise ensures strict monitoring and patrolling to prevent unauthorized structures, pollution, ecosystem destruction, and illegal fishing practices,” Guevarra said. 

COVER PHOTO: The Mangrove Island on Masinloc Bay is home to rare mangrove species like Rhizophora stylosa and the hybrid Rhizophora x lamarckii (DENR photo)