Against this backdrop, MPIF mounted the Shore It Up! Tubbataha Exploration Dive from May 21 to 27, 2026, bringing together marine scientists, conservation practitioners, and visual storytellers to assess the ecological health of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
The expedition brought together marine scientists, conservation practitioners, and visual storytellers to assess the ecological health of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
Located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is one of the Philippines' most important marine sanctuaries and among the world's most significant reef ecosystems.
The protected area supports rich marine biodiversity, sustains fisheries, and contributes to the ecological resilience of surrounding waters.
Renewed support
The assessment comes shortly after MPIF renewed its partnership with the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board and Friends of Tubbataha Inc.
Under the agreement, MPIF committed P12 million over four years, equivalent to P3 million annually, to support research initiatives, protection activities, and community-based conservation efforts in the marine park.
The renewed commitment builds on the Shore It Up! Tubbataha program launched in 2022, through which MPIF provided P8 million in funding from 2022 to 2025.
According to MPIF, findings from the latest expedition are expected to generate scientific insights that can strengthen marine conservation planning and guide future protection initiatives.
Scientific mission
The exploration team assessed coral cover, reef fish biomass, biodiversity conditions, key indicator species, and emerging threats that could affect the reef ecosystem.
The expedition is also expected to produce a scientific report documenting biodiversity observations, reef health assessments, conservation lessons, and recommendations for future action.
"Protecting Tubbataha requires consistent support, strong science, and close collaboration with the people and institutions who know its waters best," said Melody M. Del Rosario, president of MPIF.
"Through Shore It Up!, we hope to contribute meaningful insights that can help guide conservation action and encourage more Filipinos to value the marine ecosystems that sustain our country," she added.
Expert team
Leading the coral health assessment is Dr. Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan, one of the country's foremost coral reef scientists. His work focuses on evaluating live coral cover, reef structure, and signs of stress such as bleaching, disease, and physical damage.
Marine wildlife specialist Dr. Arnel Andrew "AA" Yaptinchay is overseeing assessments of threatened marine species, reef fish diversity, and indicator species that reflect ecosystem health.
Marine biodiversity expert Romeo "Romy" Trono is contributing insights on marine protected area governance and conservation strategies, while Tubbataha Protected Area Superintendent Angelique Songco is providing site management and enforcement perspectives.
Completing the team is underwater photographer and conservation advocate Bo Mancao, who is documenting the expedition and producing visual materials to support conservation awareness.
Broader advocacy
The Tubbataha assessment forms part of Shore It Up!, the MVP Group's flagship coastal and marine conservation program, now in its 18th year.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park spans 97,030 hectares within the Coral Triangle and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Through the expedition, MPIF hopes to generate credible scientific data, conservation recommendations, and compelling visual stories that can help strengthen marine protection efforts and encourage broader public participation in safeguarding Philippine waters. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
