Negros Occidental took home two awards at the 2025 Para El Mar Awards in Iloilo City, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz announced Thursday night, Sept. 18.
The Southern Negros Coastal Development Management Council (SNCDMC) secured the first-place award.
The council represents a collaborative effort among the municipalities of Cauayan, Sipalay City, and Hinoba-an, along with the Province of Negros Occidental.
The Avila Mangrove Reserve and Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Cadiz City was also named the first runner-up.
The Para El Mar Awards, a biennial event organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network (MSN), recognizes outstanding marine protected areas throughout the Philippines, Diaz said.
This year’s event, held on Wednesday and Thursday, September 17-18, focused on the theme “Bantay Karagatan, Bantay Kinabukasan: Local Action for Biodiversity and the Future,” celebrating local leaders in marine and coastal protection.
“Congratulations to our local champions for leading the way in marine conservation and inspiring the nation to safeguard our coastal ecosystems and heritage,” Diaz said.*