Leyte festival calls for urgent signing of Panaon Island Protected Seascape Bill
Press Release Date: May 22, 2025
PINTUYAN, Southern Leyte – International marine protection organization, Oceana highlights the importance of the declaration of Panaon Island as a protected seascape in the Layag Festival held today in Barangay Catbawan, Pintuyan, Southern Leyte.
Atty. Nikka Oquias, Marine Protected Area campaign lead at Oceana, calls on Congress to transmit the enrolled bill and urges President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign and seal the approval of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape law, an essential step to implement conservation measures to ensure long-term, well-managed ecosystems.
“The Panaon Island Protected Seascape declaration will allow us to enforce protection strategies vital to preserving the coral-rich habitats and marine resources that sustain the local community. Panaon Island is globally recognized as part of the 50 climate resilient reefs. Thus, this declaration will institutionalize long-term conservation measures and provide LGUs more opportunities to access additional resources and technical support, empowering them to more effectively manage the rich marine resources of Panaon,” Oquias said.
With the theme, “Sails of Heritage, Waves of Protection”, the annual festival features traditional layag boat races and sea-inspired games that highlight the community’s deep connection to the sea. This year, organizers and participants emphasize the urgent need to protect Panaon Island’s marine ecosystems from threats such as illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change.
Oceana lauds the local government of Pintuyan and the other groups instrumental in promoting sustainable fishing practices through the festival. A reminder to local fisherfolk and other key stakeholders to continue preserving the biodiversity of Panaon Island, the Layag Festival is a must-see cultural event in this southernmost tip of Southern Leyte.
The Panaon Island Protected Seascape Bill, approved by both chambers of Congress on February 4, 2025, designates over 60,000 hectares of marine waters around Panaon Island as a protected seascape under Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act. Before the bill is signed by President Marcos Jr., Oceana has led workshops and consultations with key sectors in the four municipalities of the Island– Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Liloan and San Francisco— to develop a protected area management plan and enforcement strategies for the seascape. These efforts were carried out with the active participation of the Province of Southern Leyte, DENR Region 8, and other regional agencies that will soon form the Protected Area Management Board. (END)
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
For More Information:
Joyce Sierra, Communications Manager, Oceana
Mobile: 09178214430 E-mail: jsierra@oceana.org
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