Protecting Masinloc’s marine sanctuary earns forester recognition

MASINLOC, Zambales — Protecting a 7,558-hectare marine and coastal landscape requires more than enforcing environmental laws. 

It also means working with communities, creating livelihood opportunities, and building partnerships to sustain conservation efforts.

For Donaver Guevarra, community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) of Masinloc, Zambales, these efforts have been central to protecting the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape (MOBPLS), earning him the 2026 Outstanding Regional Forester of the Year Award for Central Luzon.

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READ: In Zambales, coastal volunteers lead defense of marine sanctuary

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The Society of Filipino Foresters Inc. (SFFI) conferred the award in recognition of Guevarra’s work in protected area management, biodiversity conservation, forest protection, and environmental education.

Guevarra said strengthening the management and protection of MOBPLS, described as the first and only marine protected area in Central Luzon, played a significant role in his recognition.

The protected area also secured first place in the Most Outstanding NIPAS Marine Protected Area category at the 2025 Para El Mar Awards, a national recognition for marine protected areas.

READ: Zambales expands MPA network with 2 new sanctuaries

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Guevarra attributed these achievements in part to enforcing environmental and protected area laws, which he said helped reduce threats to biodiversity and ecosystems.

“Swift actions and effective law enforcement reduced threats to biodiversity and the ecosystems as a whole, which provide natural resources like flora and fauna to flourish,” Guevarra said in a phone interview. 

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But enforcement is only one part of the work.

Guevarra said collaboration among communities, local government units, private companies, nongovernment organizations, media organizations, national government agencies, academic institutions, and people’s organizations is essential to sustaining conservation efforts.

“Soliciting their support and cooperation through strategic partnership is vital in sustaining our ecosystems’ functions,” he said.

Community livelihoods support conservation

In Masinloc, CENRO involves communities in the National Greening Program, engaging residents as tree growers to provide livelihood opportunities while supporting reforestation and forest protection.

The office also partners with private companies to adopt National Greening Program sites that remain unfunded or have completed their program implementation. 

Through corporate social responsibility initiatives, private partners can help sustain tree-growing efforts and biodiversity protection.

Another initiative is developing biodiversity-friendly enterprises which provide alternative livelihood opportunities intended to reduce pressure on natural resources.

These include mango and tamarind jam production, mangrove nurseries, sea cucumber ranching, community-managed savings and credit associations, and mussel culture.

The San Salvador Biodiversity Friendly Association and the Palauig-Masinloc Mussel Association in Zambales are among the groups involved in this initiative.

By linking livelihood opportunities with environmental protection, these initiatives aim to encourage communities to conserve while supporting their economic needs.

Funding and logistics remain challenges

Despite these efforts, Guevarra said funding gaps and logistical requirements remain major obstacles to protecting forests and biodiversity.

To address these constraints, his office relies on partnerships among local governments, communities, private companies and law enforcement agencies, as well as resource-sharing arrangements with other government offices.

He said these partnerships help the office continue environmental protection work despite limited resources.

READ: DENR trains ‘Bantay Dagat’ to boost Zambales marine sanctuary defense

Guevarra’s priorities include sustaining the protection of marine and coastal resources, particularly MOBPLS and locally managed marine protected areas, as well as forests and water ecosystems.

He also identified foreshore management and issuing land titles to farmers as priorities.

He urged residents and partner organizations to continue supporting environmental programs and report illegal activities that threaten natural resources.

“We cannot do it alone. We must work together for the greater protection of our ecosystems. After all, environmental protection is our collective responsibility,” he said.

Olongapo CENRO also recognized

Guevarra was one of two Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon officials recognized by the SFFI.

Edward Sernadilla, CENRO of Olongapo City, received the 2026 Distinguished Forester Award for his leadership, public service, and contributions to environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.

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The awards were presented during this year’s SFFI convention, which highlighted the role of forestry professionals in protecting forest ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable natural resource management./coa