Leyte festival pushes protected seascape law

PINTUYAN, Southern Leyte — As it is taking too long for its enactment, the local government of this town turns to a little-known festival to drumbeat support and get the attention of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign into law the bill that aims to protect the marine resources.

The proposed law, the Panaon Island Protected Seascape Act, was approved by the House and Senate bicameral committee last 4 February and submitted to Malacañang for the president’s approval.

“This is very important to us to strengthen protection of our marine resources not only for us today buy also for the future generation,” says Pintuyan Mayor Ricarte Estrella.

Estrella led the top local government officials in the holding of the annual Layag Festival last Thursday, 22 May, with the theme “Sails of Heritage, Waves of Protection.” The one-day festival featured traditional layag boat races and sea-inspired games that highlight the community’s deep connection to the sea.

Estrella said the Panaon Island marine ecosystem continues to face threats such as illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change. “The passage of the law is an essential step to implement conservation measures to ensure long-term, well-managed ecosystems,” he said.

Layag Festival, is an annual cultural event in Pintuyan, the southernmost tip of Southern Leyte. This year’s festivity drew the support of Oceana Philippines, an international marine conservation advocacy group which also helped in lobbying for the passage of the law in Congress.

Lawyer Nikka Oquias, Marine Protected Area campaign lead at Oceana, said the Panaon Island Protected Seascape declaration will allow the local government unit to enforce protection strategies vital to preserving the coral-rich habitats and marine resources that sustain the local community.

“Panaon Island is globally recognized as part of the 50 climate resilient reefs. Thus, this declaration will institutionalize long-term conservation measures and provide LGUs more opportunities to access additional resources and technical support, empowering them to more effectively manage the rich marine resources of Panaon,” Oquias said.