Apo Reef marks 29th anniversary as protected area with new building, marker

The world famous Apo Reef Natural Park celebrated its 29th anniversary as a protected area with a new building and the unveiling of a new marker in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.  

On Saturday posted via social media, DENR MIMAROPA marked the occasion with a new Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) building and a new marker designating the Apo Reef as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

PAMO helps manage the Apo Reef Natural Park in the Philippines which is located off the coast of Occidental Mindoro province. The PAMO, along with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the Local Government Unit of Sablayan, is responsible for the park's management

“Apo Reef Natural Mark marks another historic milestone through  its designation as the 61st ASEAN Heritage Park, joining a prestigious network of Southeast Asia’s most valued natural sites.” 

The agency said the recognition “elevates Apo Reef not only as a Philippine treasure but also as a shared ASEAN legacy—opening doors for greater regional cooperation, scientific collaboration, and international support.”

Considered the largest coral reef in the Philippines, Apo Reef covers around 34 square kilometers. It ranks as the world’s second-largest connected reef system after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

The massive, beautiful reef is a thriving marine ecosystem that attracts nature lovers and divers from all over the world.

DENR MIMAROPA oversees the provinces of  Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. — RF, GMA Integrated News