National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS)

Covered by Carbin, Macahulom, and Panal Reefs along with other surrounding reefs, Sagay Marine Reserve spans a area of 32, 000 hectares in municipal waters and includes four islands. 

The Protected Area boasts four species of marine turtles, five species of giant clams, five species of marine mammals, 10 species of seagrass, 33 species of true mangroves, 60 genera of hard, black, and soft corals, and 78 species of macrobenthic algae.

In 1995, it was declared a protected seascape under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 592 and by Republic Act no. 9106 in 2001. 

Composed of the 46 islets, the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR) has an aggregate area of 1,143.45 hectares. 

The natural park has 18 white sand beaches and seven caves. It is home to  70 species of trees, 11 species of shrubs, 1 species of herbs and grasses, 26 species of mangroves, 114 species of hard corals, 17 species of soft corals, 84 species of birds, 7 species of mammals, 16 species of reptiles, and lots of insects. 

Species of interest which one might meet in the island include Hawksbill turtle, Green Sea turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, Leatherback turtle, Philippine duck, Philippine megapode, Large-scaled water monitor, Green Crested Lizard, Reticulated Python, Giant clam, and coconut crab. 

This protected area is dubbed as “Hiyas sang Guimaras”, perfect name for a jewel that is the Taklong Island. 

Bantayan Island is located on the northeast tip of the Cebu mainland, within the Visayan Sea. It is administratively divided into three municipalities including Bantayan, Madridejos and Santa Fe. The proclaimed wilderness area of the Bantayan Island Wilderness Area (BIWA) stretch across other islands. This includes the islands of Malapascua, Carnaza and other smaller islands as declared.

This popular tourist destination is home to pristine beaches, diverse mangroves areas, and coral reefs including a number of avifauna.

Tañon Strait is the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Philippines! Sandwiched  between the islands of Negros and Cebu, the strait is narrow and long.  It strategically connects the Visayan Sea in the north and the Bohol sea in the south. Its deep waters and strategic location makes it a good migration route for huge marine mammals like the dwarf sperm whales, spinner whales, and whale sharks. Even the rare chambered nautilus is found here.

It was established as a protected seascape by President Ramos under Proclamation No. 1234 of 1998.

Situated 8 km off the coast of Cawayan, Masbate, Naro Island sits within the Asid Gulf enjoying the rich presence of mangroves, seagrasses, and corals. It's coastline is studded with large mangrove forests that nourishes the fishes around the area. The rich presence of fishes likewise makes fishing as their primary source of income. The island is approximately 4.8 km long and 2.1 km wide with a recorded population of 3,389 in 2020 census.

It was proclaimed as a Protected Area through proclamation 317, s. 2000 pursuant to republic Act 7586 (NIPAS of 1992).