BACOLOD City – The 33-hectare Avila Mangrove Reserve and Migratory Birds Sanctuary (AMRMBS), known as the “guardian of the coast” in Barangay Daga, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, has been recognized as one of the best bird sanctuaries in the Philippines.
The sanctuary was named first runner-up at the awarding rites of this year’s prestigious Para El Mar Awards, held on September 18 at Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City.
The top honor went to Balisungan Marine Protected Area in Coron, Palawan, while the Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area in Camarines Sur and Bauang Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park in La Union took second and third runners-up, respectively.
Para El Mar (For the Sea) is a biennial national award organized by the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Support Network, recognizing local government units and communities that demonstrate exceptional management, conservation, and protection of marine resources.
Cadiz City’s Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. expressed elation over the award, noting that it affirms the city’s strong commitment to environmental conservation.
“This recognition offers new hope and inspiration for us Cadizeños to further strengthen our programs and initiatives aimed at preserving our environment and natural resources,” he said.
AMRMBS is more than just a mangrove forest — it is a living sanctuary that nurtures both humans and marine life. Decades-old mangrove roots provide shelter for young fish and crabs, while thousands of migratory birds use the sanctuary as a resting point during their long journey across continents.
The sanctuary is also part of Cadiz’s wetlands, which are currently vying for Ramsar designation as wetlands of international importance.
Home to 31 mangrove species, including the rare Camptostemon philippinensis (Gapas-gapas) — endemic to the Philippines and emblematic of Cadiz — the sanctuary plays a critical role in global conservation. It serves as a safe stopover for more than 6,000 migratory shorebirds annually, including the Great Knot, a globally threatened species.
These natural treasures make AMRMBS a key link in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, an international network of habitats for migratory birds./PN
