28/10/2026
𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐎-𝐒𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐒 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
DEL CARMEN, Surigao del Norte — The Protected Area Management Office of the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PAMO-SIPLAS) recognized local government units, national government agencies, academe, community organizations, and other partners for their contributions to conservation during the protected area’s 30th Anniversary Gala Night on October 10 at the Del Carmen Convention Center.
Held under the theme “30 Years of SIPLAS: United for a Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Future,” the event highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation in protecting the area’s biodiversity and managing its terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems.
The activity honored outstanding members of the SIPLAS Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), distinguished presiding officers, and the best Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA) holder, along with conservation and development partners that support protected area programs and activities.
Among those recognized as Outstanding SIPLAS PAMB Members were the local government units of San Isidro, San Benito, Dapa, Santa Monica, General Luna, Pilar, Burgos, Socorro, and Del Carmen; the Office of the Congressman of Surigao del Norte’s 1st District; SIKAT Inc.; the Department of Agriculture-Caraga; the Philippine National Police-Caraga; the Siargao Tourism Operators Association; and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development-Caraga.
Those recognized under the Distinguished Presiding Officer category included Pilar Municipal Vice Mayor Atty. Maria Liza G. Resurreccion, Dapa Municipal Mayor Hon. Elizabeth T. Matugas, General Luna Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. John Christopher C. Silvosa, San Isidro Sangguniang Bayan Member Secretary Larry Valentino E. Agudo, Del Carmen Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Gina M. Barquilla, San Benito MENRO Samuel E. Bagot, and San Benito Sangguniang Bayan Member Secretary Melquiades G. Mantilla. The Sohoton Inayaran Farming Association Inc. (SIFAI) received the award for Best People’s Organization (PO) PACBRMA Holder, while the Municipality of Del Carmen was recognized as the 30th SIPLAS Anniversary event host.
The program also recognized the SIPLAS Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) subcommittees under sustainable financing, community management, site development and resource management, law enforcement, project monitoring and evaluation, ecotourism management, the Marine Protected Area Network, PAMB membership and strengthening, and communication, education, and public awareness.
Conservation and development partners including 56 national government agencies, 9 academe and 14 non-government organizations were also recognized for their support for conservation initiatives and sustainable development within SIPLAS.
In his welcome message, Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II emphasized the importance of cooperation among government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in protecting and managing SIPLAS. He also cited DENR’s environmental initiatives in the municipality, including a waste-to-energy facility with an Environmental Compliance Certificate and a Septage Treatment Plant project.
Meanwhile, SIPLAS Protected Area Superintendent Milafe S. Nohara highlighted the protected area’s achievements and milestones over the past three decades, as well as the continuing challenges in its management. She stressed the need for government agencies, local governments, communities, and development partners to sustain their efforts in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
The gala night also showcased local culture and environmental advocacy through the winning performances of Sajaw sa SIPLAS 2026 by the BUGSAY-LAJAG Dance Troupe of San Benito and Huni sa SIPLAS 2026, featuring Camero D. Espuerta and Nicole Jireh A. Edradan of Socorro.
The Miss SIPLAS 2026 Kalikasan Attire and Advocacy Showcase further promoted environmental awareness, with candidates presenting creative attire and advocacy messages on biodiversity conservation, responsible environmental practices, and sustainable development.
A ceremonial w**e toast marked the occasion, celebrating the shared efforts of stakeholders in protecting SIPLAS.
The program closed with a message from Cleofie J. Aranas, supervising ecosystem management specialist and assistant protected area superintendent, who thanked the participants and partners and underscored the importance of continued cooperation. # #