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 specific category designated for coastal and marine areas of high ecological significance, balancing conservation with sustainable use, used in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).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 & bleachingMarine ecosystems that are highly sensitive to thermal stress, where elevated sea temperatures cause corals to expel symbiotic algae (bleaching).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.
