Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the local government unit of Masinloc, recently trained 96 Bantay Dagat members to strengthen protection and enforcement efforts within the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (MOBPLS).

The paralegal learning event aimed to enhance Bantay Dagats’ knowledge of environmental laws, proper enforcement procedures, and their role in safeguarding the more than 7,000-hectare marine protected area.

Donaver Guevarra, head of the DENR community office in Masinloc, noted that the training is expected to boost the capability of Bantay Dagat members as frontliners in protecting the coastal and marine resources of Masinloc.

“This training strengthens the ability of our Bantay Dagat members to carry out lawful and effective enforcement operations, especially in protecting the rich coastal and marine resources of Masinloc and MOBPLS,” Guevarra said.

He added that improving the legal and technical skills of community-based enforcement groups is essential in addressing illegal fishing, unauthorized resource extraction, and other activities that threaten coastal and marine ecosystems.

“Effective coastal and marine protection requires strong collaboration among enforcement agencies, local government units, and community-based volunteers. Through activities such as this, Bantay Dagat members are further equipped to support the protection and sustainable management of MOBPLS,” Guevarra added.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said training local enforcement partners is vital in maintaining the ecological integrity of protected areas.

“Our Bantay Dagat personnel play a vital role in protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of coastal resources. Strengthening their legal and technical capabilities is essential in promoting environmental governance and maintaining the ecological integrity of our coastal communities, especially within protected areas such as MOBPLS,” Pablo said.

The activity also underscored the importance of local government support, inter-agency cooperation, and community participation in strengthening marine protection and law enforcement in the protected area.

MOBPLS is the first and only marine protected area in Central Luzon established under Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 2018. (Text and photos courtesy of DENR Central Luzon)