San Carlos City:San Carlos City in Negros Occidental has teamed up with government agencies to bolster the protection and management of marine protected areas (MPAs) on Sipaway Island, a key tourist attraction.

According to Philippines News Agency, the collaboration was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Adopt-a-MPA project. Mayor Renato Gustilo emphasized that this agreement represents a strong commitment by the city's partner agencies and local communities to safeguard marine resources and ensure the sustainability of marine life for future generations.

The signing ceremony took place at the San Carlos City Multi-Purpose Hall, with Mayor Gustilo representing the city government. The initiative aims to preserve Sipaway Island's marine environment while enhancing its potential as a destination for scuba divers and environmental enthusiasts. This is expected to contribute to the protection of underwater ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism and economic development.

Other signatories of the MOU included Col. Rhoderick Campo of the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, Charlie Fabre from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Negros Island Region (DENR-NIR), Rickie Marx Ronamo from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-NIR, and village chiefs Valentina Fuerzas and Simplicio Caballero.

The MOU outlines joint efforts to manage St. John Reef and Camotes Reef, both part of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape. Planned activities include coordinated patrols, law enforcement support, technical assistance, educational campaigns, pollution response, and coastal cleanups.

Charlie Fabre expressed DENR-NIR's commitment to working alongside the city and partner agencies, highlighting the potential for this partnership to serve as a model for regional marine resource protection.