Marcos Jr. signs law declaring Panaon Island waters a protected seascape

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed a law declaring the waters around Panaon Island in Southern Leyte as a protected seascape, a move hailed as a significant win for marine conservation.

The new law establishes the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS), a marine sanctuary spanning 61,204 hectares across the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo.

This vital area supports endangered species, rich coral reefs, and numerous fishing communities dependent on its health for sustenance and income.

Oceana vice president Von Hernandez stated that the PIPS Law represents a crucial step towards safeguarding marine biodiversity, improving food security, and alleviating poverty.

Hernandez further emphasized that the law is the result of extensive scientific research, dedicated advocacy, local organizing, and community involvement, underscoring the ocean's protection as an investment in the future.

Panaon Island is situated within the Coral Triangle, a global center of marine biodiversity, and is recognized as one of the "50 Reefs" most resilient to the impacts of climate change.