Sagay Marine Reserve in 11th Episode of Protected Areas Series

Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch the 11th episode of the documentary series Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines, featuring the Sagay Marine Reserve in Negros Occidental, on Saturday, February 17, 7:45 a.m., on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel.

Sagay Marine Reserve is a protected landscape and seascape composed of the islands and islets of Molocaboc, Molocaboc Diut, Matabas and Suyac, and their surrounding reefs—Carbin, Panal and Macahulom.

“The Sagay Marine Reserve was once threatened by poachers and illegal fishing operators who practiced dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing and other illegal methods. But good governance and a balance between the interests of locals and the environment have led to the natural rehabilitation of the protected area,” said Legarda.

“The environmental commitment and innovative ideas of the local government have made Sagay Marine Reserve one of the most successful marine conservation programs in the Philippines. It is a living proof that the protection of our natural resources is possible with a government that has vision, strong political will and a community that values the environment,” the Senator stressed.

The protected areas documentary series was narrated and conceptualized by Legarda, directed by Brillante Mendoza and produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“This series aims to educate citizens on our protected areas, which are critical in conserving our biodiversity that is essential to our existence and survival. Through this documentary series, Filipinos will learn more about our protected areas—the richness of these areas and the challenges in conservation. We want Filipinos to appreciate the unique natural heritage that we have and enjoin everyone to protect them,” said Legarda.

Protected areas are identified portions of land and water set aside by reasons of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. There are 240 identified protected areas in the country.

Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines airs every Saturday, 7:45 a.m., on ANC, with replays every Sunday, 1:45 p.m.