Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
By Miriam G.Desacada
Liloan Southern Leyte—Residents and local governments of Panaon Island in Southern Leyte have welcomed the strengthened commitment to conserve the ocean and manage fisheries through the launch of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS). This initiative brings together national government agencies, enforcement groups, academic institutions, and volunteer organizations to protect the island’s marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Hundreds of members of the local communities cheer the unfurling of banner and ceremonial setting of commitment from the different sectors mandated to implement the PIPS management plan in the celebratory program on the grounds of the Liloan port.
International marine protection organization, Oceana organized the launch of the PIPS with its partners that successfully campaigned the passage of the bill that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law on August 29, 2025.
The law upholds the science-based and participatory process of the development and implementation of the management plan through the PIPS Management Body that is expected to be formed immediately. The law is a landmark move for marine conservation, food and livelihood security, and climate resilience, addressing the problems of illegal fishing, plastic pollution, and crown-of-thorn stars that are plaguing the healthy coral reefs of this island.
The law brings national focus to this island that was identified as part of the 50 priority reefs in the world highly likely to withstand the devastating impacts of climate change.
The PIPS spans over 61,204 hectares or 612.04 sq km covering the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo in Southern Leyte. The island is not only home to endangered species, such as whale sharks and the Philippine duck, but also serves as crucial breeding and nursery grounds for fish that sustain the local communities’ food and livelihood security.
The new law mandates the creation of a comprehensive management plan, engaging local stakeholders, scientists, and government agencies to ensure that conservation efforts yield tangible benefits for both people and nature. This approach aligns with the country’s broader blue economy strategy, which aims to strike a balance between sustainable resource use and the protection of vital ecosystems.
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity approved the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Included here are the 30×30 commitments that specifically call for the effective protection and management of 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas by the year 2030.
The Philippine government pledged its support for the 30×30 global target and has committed to protect 35.03 million hectares, which is 15.91% of Philippine seas. Panaon Island has been identified as an important area that will significantly contribute to achieving the country’s 30×30 commitments.
