June 25, 2025, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor – A major stride in marine conservation was marked with the formal launching of the Bitaug Marine Protected Area (MPA). Established through Municipal Ordinance No. 385, enacted in February 2025 via Resolution No. 2025-1893, this MPA has been a long-standing vision finally brought to life.
Covering a total area of 149.46 hectares, the Bitaug MPA consists of a core zone of 44.34 hectares and a buffer zone of 105.12 hectares, making it the largest MPA in Siquijor. It represents nearly one-third of the province’s total marine protected area coverage, solidifying its significance in the island’s biodiversity and fisheries management framework.
The initiative to revive the Bitaug MPA started in 2017, when the barangay captain sought assistance from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. By 2018, a community perception survey was conducted, with support from the provincial government and the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF).
In 2020, a barangay resolution proposed a 22.25-hectare MPA. This was followed by a resurvey conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and CCEF, expanding the proposed area to its current size. From 2022 to 2023, WCS guided the ordinance drafting, using the MPAs in Tulapos and Bino-ongan as models. A planning workshop in March 2023 helped shape the final structure of the MPA.
Support from the community was evident during a public hearing in June 2023, attended by representatives from 14 barangays, signaling a strong collective endorsement.
The Bitaug MPA was established to:
- Protect diverse marine life, including soft corals, barrel sponges, and sea turtles
- Replenish fish stocks and improve ecosystem health
- Sustain the livelihoods of local fishers and communities
The launching was attended by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Fisheries Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Office of the Mayor of Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor State College, Siquijor Chamber of Commerce, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF).
As Siquijor’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Bitaug MPA sets a bold precedent for future marine protection initiatives in the region. Larger protected areas create better opportunities for marine species and corals to thrive, reproduce, and recover—leading to healthier ecosystems and more sustainable local fisheries. CCEF is honored to be part of this journey and remains steadfast in its support for science-based, community-driven coastal conservation.
Together, we protect our seas — for today, and for the generations to come.
