Puerto Princesa, Palawan—Malampaya Foundation Inc.’s (MFI) conservation-partner sites in north Palawan swept the major accolades and a host of minor recognitions at the 2024 Palawan PEARL Awards which awards excellent Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the province.
In late 2012, MFI launched its marine conservation program to support establishment of new/expand existing MPAs and provide full support for long-term management, including: enforcement strengthening, formation of MPA management councils, construction of MPA-Bantay Dagat stations, technical support, logistical support, policy-formation, education campaigns, youth camps, coastal reforestation, livelihood support, conservation incentives for community and individuals, coral rehabilitation and restocking of threatened and locally-extinct marine species in the strict protection zones of the MPAs.
The program enjoins all stakeholders in the areas especially barangay and municipal local government units, local agencies in the areas, community people’s organizations, indigenous peoples and tourist establishments.
Awards won by the sites are the following:
MAJOR AWARDS:
1. BEST-MANAGED MPA (1st place): Bulalacao MPA, Coron (MFI partner site since 2012)
2. BEST LOCALLY-MANAGED MPA (2nd Place): San Miguel MPA, Linapacan (MFI partner site since 2014)
3. BEST COMMUNITY-MANAGED (3rd Place): San Fernando MPA, El Nido (MFI partner site since 2014)
4. BEST EMERGING MPA (4th Place): Decabaitot MPA, Linapacan (MFI partner site since 2018)
MINOR AWARDS:
- Minor Award for Best-Managed Coral Reef MPA: Bulalacao MPA, Coron
- Minor Award in Best in Law Enforcement MPA: Bulalacao MPA, Coron
- Special Citation for Best IP-Managed MPA: Bulalacao MPA, Coron
- Special Citation for Best MPA management Board: Bulalacao MPA, Coron
