Siquijor, Philippines — After nearly 18 years of grassroots advocacy, the Municipality of Enrique Villanueva has officially established the Bitaug Marine Protected Area (MPA) — now the largest MPA in Siquijor. Covering 149.46 hectares (about 370 acres), the new protected zone will safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, lush seagrass meadows, thriving turtle habitats, and critical ecosystems for sharks and rays.
Protecting Siquijor’s Marine Biodiversity
The newly declared Bitaug MPA is home to:
Coral reefs that are naturally resilient to climate change
Seagrass meadows that support marine life and store carbon
Sea turtle nesting and feeding grounds
Commercially important fish species essential for local livelihoods
Sharks and rays, which now have explicit legal protection within the MPA
A key feature of the new rules is the ban on catching sharks and rays, except for research purposes — making Bitaug part of a global network of MPAs providing targeted protection for these vulnerable species.
“This is not just the launch of a protected site — it’s a powerful step toward environmental sustainability, coastal resilience, and community empowerment,” said Ms. Peachy Baquilta, Assistant Extension Director at Siquijor State College.
18 Years of Community Advocacy
The creation of the Bitaug MPA is the result of persistent local leadership. The Bitaug Fisherfolk Association (BitFA) began advocating for marine protection in 2007. Today, BitFA will co-manage the area with the local government, overseeing enforcement, eco-tourism operations, and environmental education.
Partnership support comes from Siquijor State College, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and WCS Philippines.
“This is the beginning of what we’ve been dreaming of for almost eighteen years,” said Othello Manos, President of BitFA.
Sustainable Tourism and Revenue Sharing
Unlike many traditional MPAs, Bitaug will be managed under a revenue-sharing model. Funds from eco-tourism activities such as snorkeling and diving will be reinvested into:
Marine conservation projects
Community development initiatives
Education and awareness programs
This ensures that both the environment and the local economy benefit from the MPA’s success.
“Our coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves are interconnected. They must be protected together if we truly want to secure our environment and our future,” said Kristine Kate Lim, Country Director for WCS Philippines.
A Model for Other Coastal Communities
The Bitaug MPA now serves as a blueprint for community-led marine conservation in the Philippines. Its success is built on:
Long-term grassroots advocacy
Participatory planning and stakeholder consultations
Partnerships between communities, government agencies, and NGOs
Innovative funding models that sustain conservation efforts
WCS Philippines and its partners acknowledge the support of the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, European Union (via KfW Development Bank), Trafigura Foundation, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and the WCS 30×30 Ocean Accelerator — among other private donors.
Why the Bitaug MPA Matters
As the largest marine protected area in Siquijor, the Bitaug MPA is more than just a boundary on a map. It is:
A safeguard for Siquijor’s unique marine biodiversity
A boost to local eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods
A symbol of what persistent community action can achieve
With its blend of environmental protection, economic opportunity, and community leadership, the Bitaug MPA offers hope for the future of ocean health in the Philippines and beyond.
