September 1, 2025 · The Philippine government enacted Republic Act 12238 on August 29, 2025, declaring the waters surrounding Panaon Island a protected seascapeLocal Climate & EcologyProtected SeascapeA protected-area category under NIPAS for coastal and marine zones of outstanding ecological value — the designation Panaon Island received in 2025.Read more in the Glossary → to be referred to as the Panaon Island Protected Seascape. Situated in Southern Leyte and spanning the municipalities of Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, and San Ricardo, it covers 61,204 hectares of ocean that is home to endangered species, vibrant coralLocal Climate & EcologyCoral Reefs & BleachingThe Philippines sits at the apex of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity. Warming seas trigger bleaching — a running climate indicator.Read more in the Glossary → reefs, and the livelihood of many locals.
The seascape is part of the Coral Triangle, and was recognized among reefs around the world that are most likely to survive climate change.
