September 17 – 18, 2025 | Iloilo City, Philippines – For over two decades, Para el MAR—organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network (MSN)—has stood as the Philippines’ foremost platform for recognizing excellence in marine protected area (MPA) management. This year’s theme, “Bantay Karagatan, Bantay Kinabukasan: Local Action for Biodiversity and the Future,” spotlighted the power of grassroots stewardship in securing our seas for future generations.
Among the active participants was the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF), one of MSN’s founding members. CCEF contributed to knowledge exchanges, joined the awarding ceremonies, and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative stewardship by signing the renewed MSN Memorandum of Agreement.
Day 1: Celebrating Local Innovation and Leadership
The opening day brought together MPA managers, fisherfolk, LGUs, NGOs, scientists, and policymakers for a dynamic showcase of finalist presentations across four major award categories:
- Outstanding Locally-Managed MPAs
- Best Mangrove Award
- Outstanding MPA Network
- Outstanding NIPAS MPA
These sessions spotlighted inclusive governance, community-led innovation, and science-based coastal management—hallmarks of resilient MPAs nationwide.
Day 2: Scaling Conservation Through Collaboration
The second day focused on the role of nationally legislated MPAs in driving ecological and socioeconomic resilience. Plenary discussions explored emerging themes, including:
- Blue Economy and Sustainable Fisheries
- Coral Reef Restoration Technologies
- Community Mobilization and Cross-Sector Governance
CCEF and other experts emphasized a central message: empowered communities and strategic partnerships are key to sustaining ocean protection.
Awards Night: Honoring the Best of Philippine MPAs
Hosted by Rovilson Fernandez and Jason Vincent Caldeo, the awards night opened with a vibrant performance by Tribu Paghidaet, Champion of Dinagyang 2025. The following marine champions were recognized:
Best Mangrove Award
🏆 Balisungan MPA – Coron, Palawan (Women-led)
🥈 Avila Mangrove Reserve and Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
🥉 Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area – Siruma, Camarines Sur
🏅 Bauang Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park – Bauanga, La Union
Outstanding MPA Network
🏆 Southern Negros Coastal Development Management Council (SNCDMC) – Southern Negros
🥈 Calamianes MPA Network (CMN) – Calamianes Group of Islands, Palawan
🥉 Shark Fin Bay MPA Network (SFBMPAN) – Taytay, Palawan
Outstanding NIPAS MPA
🏆 Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape
🥈 Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, Zambales
🥉 Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape, Leyte
Outstanding Locally-Managed MPA
🏆 Ranzo Fish Sanctuary – Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
🥈 Pulong Bato Fishery Refuge – Batangas City
🥉 Concepcion-Sagrada-Bogtong MPA – Busuanga, Palawan
A Defining Moment: Strengthening the MSN Alliance
A key highlight was the ceremonial signing of the MSN Memorandum of Agreement, reinforcing a united front for marine conservation. Ten institutions—including CCEF, represented by Mr. Glenn R. Labrado—signed the MOA in person, with additional members represented by delegates. This renewed pact affirms MSN’s shared mission to protect, restore, and sustainably manage the country’s marine biodiversity.
Why Para el MAR Matters
More than an awards platform, Para el MAR serves as a catalyst for replication, learning, and inspiration. It enables communities and institutions to benchmark best practices, forge new collaborations, and sustain momentum in coastal governance.
As CCEF and fellow MSN members demonstrated this year, progress for our seas is built not in isolation, but through collective action and enduring partnerships. Together, we move forward—toward healthier, more resilient Philippine oceans.
