The Pico de Loro cove in Hamilo Coast

The Municipal Council of Nasugbu, Batangas recently announced the approval of a landmark ordinance declaring three coves of Hamilo Coast—Pico de Loro, Santelmo, and Etayo – as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Across the globe, many countries have set up MPAs to reverse marine decline caused by illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. In the Philippines alone, there are over 500 MPAs established for marine conservation, which are clearly defined areas that are legally managed and restricted for conservation purposes.

Hamilo Coast is a pioneering residential leisure destination in Nasugbu being developed by SM Land. The 5,800-hectare property is an exclusive development that will host master-planned communities amidst a rich natural environment.

Out of the 5,800 hectares, only 1,800 hectares will be developed, leaving the rest of the property untouched and preserved for environmental sustainability.

Part of the charm of the property is the expansive natural setting, which includes 13 majestic coves situated along the coastline of Nasugbu. These coves add a unique character to this leisure destination and residential haven.

Each cove is blessed with mountain ranges, unending views of the South China Sea, and teeming marine and terrestrial life. These also form part of the Verde Passage, considered as the center of marine biodiversity in the world that contains the most number of fish species globally within the coral triangle.

The declaration of Pico de Loro, Santelmo, and Etayo as MPAs is a step towards ensuring sustainable development of Hamilo Coast. The declaration is a product of a fruitful partnership between SM Land, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines, local stakeholders, and surrounding communities.

“We conducted an initial baseline study two years ago to check the health of reefs and quality of marine life in the area and found out that these three sites have the most potential for being declared as MPAs because of their biological attributes,” said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines vice president for conservation programs.

“However, the survey also revealed that the area has been subjected to various environmental stresses caused by illegal means of fishing, resulting in the deterioration of conditions of the coral, reef fish and seagrass or macroalgal communities.”

Residents of nearby barangays have organized groups such as Kaagapay ng Mamamayan para sa Kalikasan (KMK) and Samahan ng mga Mamalakaya ng Papaya (SAMAPA). KMK members are the most active in mangrove reforestation efforts in Pico de Loro and Papaya Coves. To date, they have voluntarily planted 20,000 seedlings.

SAMAPA on the other hand, together with local authorities now form part of Bantay Dagat, a non-profit group which patrols the seas of Hamilo Coast against illegal fishers. Involvement of these said groups during multiparty consultations were pivotal in passing the MPA ordinance.