An international council of marine conservation experts awarded the prestigious Blue Park Award for exceptional marine wildlife conservation to the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) in Occidental Mindoro. The award was given at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It was received by ARNP Protected Area Superintendent Krystal Villanada and Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Celia Anna Feria. In a statement, the DENR said the international council of marine conservation experts which recognized the ARNP was assembled by the United Statesbased non-government organization Marine Conservation Institute.

Santos, J. (2022, July 8). Apo Reef Park bags int'l award. Manila Bulletin, p. 5.