Under a newly signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), MPIF—the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)—will provide P3 million annually over the next four years.
The funding will go toward research initiatives, protection efforts, and community-based conservation programs in partnership with the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) and Friends of Tubbataha Inc. (FOT).
The agreement builds on the “Shore It Up! Tubbataha” program launched in 2022, under which MPIF contributed P8 million from 2022 to 2025 to strengthen environmental protection, scientific research, and community engagement in the area.
A protected area of global importance
Located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park spans 97,030 hectares and lies within the Coral Triangle—the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, underscoring its ecological significance on a global scale.
The park is home to more than 360 species of coral and hundreds of fish species, serving as a vital habitat for threatened marine life such as sharks, sea turtles, and seabirds.
Despite its richness, Tubbataha’s remote location presents persistent challenges in monitoring, enforcement, and conservation—making long-term partnerships essential.
Continuing the work for our seas
MPIC chair, president, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, in a statement, emphasized the role of the private sector in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
“Tubbataha is one of the country’s natural treasures and a crown jewel of Philippine marine biodiversity. The private sector can play a meaningful role by supporting conservation efforts alongside government and communities,” Pangilinan said.
He added that the partnership aims to ensure that the marine sanctuary remains vibrant for future generations.
MPIF president Melody M. Del Rosario noted that the renewed agreement reflects the organization’s sustained approach to environmental stewardship.
“For nearly two decades, the MVP Group has championed environmental stewardship through the Shore It Up! Program. Sustained partnerships and community engagement create lasting impact—not only in preserving critical habitats like TRNP but also in strengthening the communities and institutions that safeguard them,” Del Rosario said.
Protected area superintendent Angelique Songco highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring Tubbataha’s success.
“Tubbataha thrives where commitments converge—where the government sets the course, partners power the journey, and those in the field turn shared resolve into daily protection,” Songco said.
Building on measurable gains
Over the years, the Shore It Up! Tubbataha initiative has delivered tangible results in strengthening conservation efforts within the park.
MPIF’s support has enhanced offshore law enforcement, improved ranger welfare, and boosted operational capabilities. It has also contributed to stronger legal action against environmental violations, leading to more effective protection of marine resources.
The program has funded vital biophysical research and monitoring activities, including surveys of fish populations, coral ecosystems, and seabird habitats.
These efforts have generated critical data on reef conditions and emerging environmental risks, informing management strategies.
In addition, the initiative has sustained marine debris clean-ups, maintenance of facilities and equipment, and compliance monitoring aligned with Tubbataha’s designation as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) and Area to be Avoided (ATBA).
Strengthening conservation through collaboration
The renewed partnership outlines clear roles among stakeholders. TPAMB will oversee on-ground coordination and provide access to conservation resources, while FOT will handle fund management and financial reporting.
MPIF will support implementation, mobilize volunteers, and lead nationwide awareness campaigns to promote marine conservation.
The agreement also includes monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure program effectiveness, along with a transition plan to gradually transfer full program management to TPAMB by the end of the partnership.
Advancing sustainable development goals
Aligned with the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalikasan advocacy, the Shore It Up! Tubbataha program contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These include Life Below Water (SDG 14) through ecosystem protection, Climate Action (SDG 13) by strengthening environmental resilience, Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) through capacity building, and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
With the renewed funding and strengthened collaboration, MPIF, TPAMB, and FOT aim to further enhance protection efforts while encouraging broader participation in safeguarding one of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
