The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) has recently completed the assessment of another 2,428 hectares of identified marine protected areas (MPAs) in Central Visayas, comprising 81 percent of 3,000 hectares targeted for identification this year. In managing coastal and marine resources, DENR has adopted a sustainable and ecosystem-based approach under the Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystem Management Program (SCREMP). The program observes proper management, protection, and rehabilitation of over 3,031 hectares of coral reef areas in the Island of Saag and San Francisco. Protection measures such as re-stocking, removal of underwater debris and fixing of damaged settlement materials were conducted to some identified degraded and severely damaged coral reef areas.

Makilan, M. D., & Sabac, M. A. R. (2015, September 4). Marine protected areas in Region 7 identified. Manila Bulletin, p. 17.