Cadiz mangrove sanctuary named among best in PH

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BACOLOD CITY — Cadiz City’s commitment to environmental preservation and protection has earned national acclaim after its 33-hectare Avila Mangrove Reserve and Migratory Birds Sanctuary (AMRMBS) was named one of the best-managed coastal ecosystems in the Philippines.

Dubbed the city’s “guardian of the coast,” the sanctuary in Barangay Daga was awarded first runner-up at this year’s Para El Mar Awards held Sept. 18 at Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City.

The Balisungan Marine Protected Area in Coron, Palawan, won the top award, while the Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area in Camarines Sur and the Bauang Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park in La Union were named second and third runners-up, respectively.

Para El Mar — meaning “for the sea” — is a biennial national recognition event organized by the Marine Protected Areas Support Network to honor outstanding efforts in marine resource management, conservation, and protection by local governments and communities.

Often likened to the FAMAS Awards of the environment sector, Para El Mar celebrates excellence in preserving the country’s aquatic ecosystems.

Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. expressed pride in the recognition, calling it proof of the city’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.

“This offers new hope and inspiration for us Cadizeños to further our efforts and programs always meant to preserve our environment and the natural resources within,” Escalante said.

It was Cadiz City’s first time joining the Para El Mar Awards, making the first runner-up finish even more meaningful.

AMRMBS is more than a mangrove forest — it’s a thriving ecosystem that protects both people and marine life.

Its decades-old mangroves provide shelter to fish and crabs, while thousands of migratory birds use the area as a resting stop during their intercontinental journeys.

The sanctuary is also part of Cadiz’s wetland area and is currently being considered for the Ramsar Convention’s Wetland of International Importance citation.

For nearby residents, the 33 hectares of salt-tolerant mangroves are more than a natural feature — they are home, protector, and a vital source of daily livelihood.

Its rich biodiversity supports artisanal fishing, ensuring food security and sustaining generations of coastal families.

Beyond sustenance, AMRMBS also acts as a natural barrier against storm surges, providing crucial protection during typhoons and bolstering the city’s resilience to climate change.

This vital balance between human life and nature helped AMRMBS earn its place among the top four biodiversity conservation areas in the country.

The sanctuary is home to 31 mangrove species, including the rare and endemic Camptostemon philippinensis (locally known as gapas-gapas), which is considered symbolic in Cadiz.

AMRMBS also plays a significant role in global conservation as a stopover site for more than 6,000 migratory shorebirds annually, including the Great Knot, a species classified as globally threatened.

The sanctuary forms part of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, an international network of critical habitats for migratory birds.

Despite its ecological importance, AMRMBS faces threats from illegal mangrove cutting, poaching of migratory birds, and improper waste disposal.

Still, the city continues to overcome these challenges through the leadership of Mayor Escalante and the resolve to fulfill the sanctuary’s mission — to protect both human lives and marine ecosystems.

Daily sea patrols by the Bantay Katunggan Brigade, in collaboration with government agencies, academic institutions, and local organizations, help keep the area protected.

The result is a flourishing sanctuary that benefits wildlife and supports the communities that rely on it.

“This is it — our greatest contribution to saving Mother Earth!” Escalante declared.