Local Government Unit of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province’s Buluan Island Marine Sanctuary recognized as No 1. Best Managed Marine Protected Area in the Philippines

1 Best Managed Marine Protected Area in the Philippines. This achievement was part of the 5th Marine Protected Area Awards and Recognition or Para El MAR, where eight out of the twelve finalists were Rare-assisted sites. Three of these sites are part of the Second Philippines Two Cohort supported by USAID. The 2015 Para El MAR was organized by the MPA Support Network (MSN), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR), UP Marine Science Institute, and other partners. Over 200 marine protected areas participated in this search for the Most Outstanding Marine Protected Area in the Philippines. Para EL MAR recognized Ipil as the number one best managed MPA in the Philippines for having achieved a level 3 rating and a 100% score in management focus, IEC, community participation, enforcement, management body, sustainable financing, legal instrument, management plan, monitoring and evaluation, and site development. Ipil is recognized as successfully having locally initiated monitoring and evaluation programs as well as an active and functioning local bantay dagat. This achievement demonstrates the effective management and conservation efforts of the local government unit in protecting the Buluan Island Marine Sanctuary. The recognition received by Ipil is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the local community in preserving the marine ecosystem and promoting sustainable development. The Buluan Island Marine Sanctuary is a vital component of the marine ecosystem in the Philippines, providing a habitat for a diverse range of marine species. The recognition received by Ipil highlights the importance of community-led conservation efforts in protecting these critical ecosystems. The achievement also underscores the need for continued support and collaboration among local governments, national agencies, and international organizations to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine protected areas in the Philippines.