The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) has committed ₱12 million to support the protection of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park over the next four years.
Under a newly signed agreement, MPIF will provide ₱3 million annually from 2026 to 2029 to fund research, law enforcement, and community-based conservation efforts. The project will be carried out in partnership with the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board and Friends of Tubbataha Inc..
The funding continues MPIF’s earlier support of ₱8 million from 2022 to 2025 through the “Shore It Up! Tubbataha” program, which focuses on environmental protection, scientific research, and community engagement.
Located in the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a 97,030-hectare marine sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to hundreds of coral and fish species, as well as endangered marine life such as sharks and sea turtles. Its remote location makes protection and monitoring a challenge.
MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said the private sector plays an important role in protecting natural resources, while MPIF President Melody M. Del Rosario emphasized the value of long-term partnerships and community involvement.
Since 2022, the program has helped strengthen law enforcement in the park, improve ranger operations, and support scientific studies on marine ecosystems. It has also funded clean-up drives and regular monitoring activities.
Under the agreement, government partners will oversee on-site operations, while Friends of Tubbataha will handle fund management. MPIF will assist in implementation, volunteer mobilization, and public awareness campaigns.
The initiative supports global sustainability goals, including marine conservation, climate action, and community development, through continued collaboration among government, private sector, and non-profit groups.
