Batangas City, Batangas - The Verde Island Sanctuary Management Board unanimously approved the expansion to an estimated 1,000+ hectares of Pulong Bato Fish Sanctuary last July 25, 2017 during their reorganization meeting held in Batangas City.
The local government of barangay San Agapito spearheaded the initiative in response to the incessant threats from local illegal fishers and to ensure that their Class A diving destination is conserved. The expansion strategy underwent a series of community consultations and baseline assessments.
The preparatory activities were closely monitored by Batangas City’s Offices of Veterinary and Agriculture Services, and the Environment and Natural Resources with support from the Malampaya Foundation and its core group of community ecodivers. The expansion is a significant achievement for the Management Board who elected their new set of officers during the meeting. The new set of officers hope that this will serve as a template for other MPAs in the City to follow.
