by Miriam G.Desacada
Tacloban City–House Bill 9396, or the proposed “Panaon Island Protected Seascape Act,” was approved on third and final reading, during the session on Nov. 29, with 257 House representatives voting “yes” against no abstention and zero “no” vote.
The bill, which is a major measure to protect and conserve the rich marine resources of our country, seeks to declare more than 60,000 hectares of waters around Panaon Island in Southern Leyte.
The passage of the bill paves the way for declaring the area as a protected seascape under Republic Act 11038 (known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act or E-NIPAS Law).
A protected seascape, under RA 11038, is referred to as “areas of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas.”
The Panaon Island Protected Seascape covers the towns of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo in the southernmost part of Southern Leyte province. The subject seascape has a total area of about 61,204 hectares or 612.04 square meters, with more than 50,000 residents in the island relying on coconut plantation and fishing as their means of livelihood.
The principal authors of HB 9396 are Southern Leyte Representatives Luz Mercado (1st district) and Christopherson Yap (2nd dist.) who had the support of 106 co-authors, among them Speaker Martin Romualdez (Leyte) and Natural Resources Committee chairman Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. (Cavite).
Oceana, the largest international advocacy organization dedicated to ocean protection and conservation, stated that the passage of the bill—which it has been pursuing since—“is a significant stride to safeguard the rich marine biodiversity of Panaon Island.”
Panaon, described by Oceana as a “coral-rich paradise,” within the “Coral Triangle,” has up to 60 percent “very good” coral cover, surpassing the national average of only 20 percent. It is also a sanctuary of hundreds of hard and soft corals species, and a habitat of endangered species, such as whale sharks and sea turtles.
Oceana vice president, lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, told the national media that “the passage of the bill at the (House) is a testament that through collaborative efforts we can achieve more in protecting our vital marine ecosystems for the present and future generations. We are looking forward to the passage of the counterpart bill on Panaon Island in the Senate.”
In the Senate, Senator Cynthia Villar filed a counterpart bill, Senate Bill 1690 (Panaon Island Protected Seascape Act of 2023), which bears the same intent as the consolidated bill approved in the House.
Oceana said, “Panaon Island will soon have the management mechanisms that will pave the way for a truly resilient and healthy ecosystem that provides a rich source of nutrients, sustenance, and livelihood for its people while mitigating the impacts of climate change.”
Once enacted into law, comprehensive protection measures for the diverse ecosystems within the region will be instituted, such as, the formulation of a management plan and strengthened regulations to prevent overfishing, illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and other activities detrimental to the marine environment, Oceana added.
“National agencies, local government units, Fisheries Management Area 8 Management Body, non-government organizations, community leaders, artisanal fisherfolk, and citizens have rallied behind the Panaon Island Protected Seascape bills filed at the House and the Senate,” said Ramos.
“Their unwavering support is crucial in highlighting the importance of preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of Panaon Island,” she added.
By and large, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. It stated: “A restored ocean means that one billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world.”
Further, the organization urged the public to visit Oceana.org and ph.oceana.org to learn more. —Miriam G. Desacada