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All for Apo Reef: DENR MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio (center) commends the Apo Reef Natural Park Protected Area Management Board, staff and rangers for their valuable efforts and contributions, which led to the protected area’s attainment of the prestigious Platinum Blue Park Award by the Marine Conservation Institute. With her in a special PAMB meeting held on July 6, 2022 are (standing, from left) MENRO Robert Duquil, Forester Celso Almazan, CG PO2 Michael John Tobias, John Paul Aristotle Ramos, CENRO Anastacio Santos, Algene Edward Francisco, PENRO Ernesto Tañada, Luis Caraan, Lorenzo Ordenes, Melchor Quiatchon and Ruther John Col-long, (sitting from left), PAMBCS Chief Michaela Rongavilla, Atty. Gandhi Flores, Ms, Grace Diamante and PASu Krystal Dayne Villanada.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – MIMAROPA Region, headed by Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio, lauded the efforts of the members of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), staff and rangers of the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) after it was conferred the prestigious Platinum Blue Park Award by the Marine Conservation Institute (MCI) at the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Blue Park Award acknowledges the outstanding efforts by the national governments, non-profit organizations, marine protected area managers, and local communities to protect marine ecosystems. According to MCI, the Apo Reef has met the highest science-based standards for conservation effectiveness as evaluated by an international council of marine conservation experts.
During its special PAMB meeting on July 6, 2022, RED Claudio awarded to the members of the Board, a certificate of recognition for their valuable efforts in the management, conservation and protection of Apo Reef Natural Park.
The PAMB serves as the policy-making body of the Apo Reef pursuant to the provisions of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 as amended by Republic Act 11038 or the eNIPAS Act of 2018. It is chaired by the Regional Executive Director of the DENR, with the following as members: officials from the Department of Agriculture, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of National Defense.
Also part of the PAMB are officials and representatives from the local government unit, Indigenous Peoples (IPs) present in the area; academic institutions, and NGOs/private sector.
RED Claudio likewise acknowledged the dedication and hard work of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ernesto Tañada, Protected Area Superintendent Krystal Dayne Villanada as well as the personnel of the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) in safeguarding the island paradise.
The PAMO, which was also created pursuant to the eNIPAS Act of 2018, is headed PASu Villanada who supervises the day to day management, protection and administration of the protected area.
She is supported by a team of equally competent and committed staff and rangers, namely Anna Ritchelle D. Nicanor, Odelon Dangeros, Fernando Advincula, Roberto Beringuela, Efraim Pagador, Hugo Ignacio Salvador, Stephany Kenenth Khen Colesio, Federico de Jesus, Michael Dagdag, Temart Rebito, Sherwin Benoza, Ludygario Matira, Kelvin John Zubiri, Salvador Ciasico, Ricky Dantayana, Romel Pacaul, Mark Dennis Barretto, and Rendel John Tulaylay
“The Platinum Blue Park Award is a testament that the shared responsibility to protect our environment is greatly fulfilled in this part of the world,” RED Claudio expressed.
“We would not have achieved this award without your hard work and sacrifices. It is truly an honor to be working with the most committed people in the name of marine conservation,” RED Claudio expressed.
Located 33 kilometers off the coast of Sabalayan, Occidental Mindoro, the Apo Reef Natural Park covers 27,469 hectares of rich and unique biodiversity. It is the largest coral atoll-like reef in the country and the second largest contiguous reef in the world. ###
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- Parent Category: News & Events
- Category: Press Releases
- Published: 06 July 2022
