02 October 2025 | News by PISD
Punta Ilag Fish Sanctuary in San Teodoro was recognized as one of the country’s Best Managed Marine Protected Areas after winning the Best in Enforcement Award at the Para El Mar Awards 2025, 18 September 2025 held at Zuri Hotel, Iloilo City.
The sanctuary is home to rich marine life such as Chevron Barracuda, sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and various reef fish. It also harbors a turtle nesting beach and an underwater hot spring, all carefully and diligently protected by the local government and the community.
A big part of its success comes from the Bantay Dagat or sea patrol team where 60%, 9 out of 15 members are women. They help in the conduct of regular patrolling activities, coral monitoring, and maintaining order in the sanctuary.
The sanctuary recorded a significant 380% increase in hard coral cover from 2016 to 2023, as well as more abundant fish catch that supports local livelihoods.
Over the years, Punta Ilag Fish Sanctuary has received several awards, including “Best Managed MPA†in 2024 and recognition as one of the “Best Performing Bantay Dagat Teams†in 2018 – all these are testimonies to the sustainability of community efforts in managing this vital sanctuary.