The Punta Ilag Fish Sanctuary in San Teodoro has been recognized with the Best in Enforcement Award at the 2025 Para El Mar Awards, highlighting its effective management and protection of marine resources.
The awarding ceremony was held at Zuri Hotel in Iloilo province.
The sanctuary is home to diverse marine life, including schooling chevron barracuda, sea turtles, dolphins, rays and various reef fish. It also features a turtle nesting beach and an underwater hot spring that continue to be safeguarded by the local government and community.
A key factor in the sanctuary’s success is the active role of the Bantay Dagat, of which 60% — or 9 of 15 members — are women. The team assists in patrol operations, coral monitoring and ensuring order within the protected area.
Under their stewardship, hard coral cover increased by 380% from 2016 to 2023, while fish catch for local livelihood also significantly improved.
The Punta Ilag Fish Sanctuary has previously received several recognitions, including the Best Managed Marine Protected Area Award in 2024 and a citation as one of the country’s Best Performing Bantay Dagat Teams in 2018.
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