Coron, Palawan — Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) renewed today its conservation agreement for the management and protection of the marine protected area (MPA) at Marcilla, Coron with its partners; Samahang Katutubong Tagbanua ng Barangay Marcilla, Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Marcilla Seaweeds Growers Association, Coron local government and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (RO IV).
The 7,200-hectare MPA, established in 2016, has since become one of the best-emerging MPAs in the Calamianes region of Palawan in view of the effective management and partnership of the various parties. It was awarded 1st place Best-Emerging MPA in the years 2017 and 2019 by the USAID RACE (Recognition Awards for Calamianes Enhanced Ecosystem) Awards.
Regular monitoring has revealed increasing fish abundance and invertebrate species populations. The community has likewise attested to decrease in blast-fishing incidents.
