MPIF marks Month of the Ocean with science-led Tubbataha conservation effort

Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), is set to conduct the Shore It Up! Tubbataha Exploration Dive from May 21 to 27, 2026, bringing together leading marine scientists, conservation practitioners, and visual storytellers to help assess the ecological health of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The assessment trip aims to generate scientific insights and field observations that can help strengthen marine conservation initiatives under MPIF’s Gabay Kalikasan program. Located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is one of the Philippines’ most important marine sanctuaries and a globally recognized reef system that supports marine biodiversity, fisheries, and the long-term ecological resilience of surrounding seas.

The initiative also comes shortly after MPIF’s renewed partnership with the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board and Friends of Tubbataha, Inc. Under the agreement, MPIF committed P12 million over four years, or P3 million annually, to support research initiatives, protection activities, and community-based efforts for the continued protection of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The renewal builds on the collaboration established in 2022 under the Shore It Up! Tubbataha program, through which MPIF provided P8 million in support from 2022 to 2025.

L-R: Atty. Teodoro Jose S. Mata, Executive Director, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development; Maximo C. Landrito, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, DENR-MIMAROPA; Marisa V. Conde, Trustee/Treasurer, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc.; Angelique M. Songco, Protected Area Supt., Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park; Patricia M. Zobel de Ayala, President, Friends of Tubbataha, Inc.; Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc.; Melody M. Del Rosario, President, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc.; Maria Teresa Lara, Treasurer, FOTI; June Cheryl A. Cabal-Revilla, Trustee, MPIF.; Marissa Floirendo, Secretary, FOTI.; Elaine Kunkle, Trustee, FOTI; and Alex Floro, Trustee, FOTI

Generating science-based insights for conservation

Through the expedition, Shore It Up! seeks to help assess coral cover, reef fish biomass, key indicator species, biodiversity conditions, and emerging threats that may affect the reef ecosystem. The findings from the assessment are expected to support long-term marine conservation planning, guide future protection efforts, and contribute to broader public awareness on the importance of safeguarding Philippine marine ecosystems.

The exploration team is also expected to produce a scientific finding report documenting observations, biodiversity insights, reef health assessments, key learnings, and conservation recommendations from the expedition. For MPIF, the assessment trip is another way to support conservation through research, partnerships, and public awareness.

“Protecting Tubbataha requires consistent support, strong science, and close collaboration with the people and institutions who know its waters best. Through Shore It Up!, we hope to contribute meaningful insights that can help guide conservation action and encourage more Filipinos to value the marine ecosystems that sustain our country,” said Melody M. Del Rosario, President of MPIF.

L-R: Mr. Romeo B. Trono, Marine Biodiversity, Marine Protected Areas Expert Specializing on Sea Turtles and Dugongs; Ian Angelo Panganiban, Assoc. PR Manager for Digital Media (MPIC); Rivka Nagtalon, Freelance Writer; Dr. AA Yaptinchay, Marine Wildlife Specialist/Marine Conservationist; Dr. Al Licuanan, Coral Reef Scientist/Marine Biologist; Melody Del Rosario, President (MPIF) and VP for PR and Corp. Comm. (MPIC); Benjie Del Rosario, SDI Dive Instructor; and Keith Lapuos (Oceana Maria)

Experts convene for Tubbataha assessment

The Shore It Up! Tubbataha Exploration Dive will be supported by a team of scientists, conservation experts, and documentation specialists, each contributing their respective field of expertise to the assessment.

Dr. Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan, one of the country’s leading coral reef scientists, will lead the coral health assessment. His work will focus on evaluating coral reef condition, live coral cover, reef structure, and signs of coral stress such as bleaching, disease, or physical damage.

Dr. Arnel Andrew “AA” Yaptinchay, a marine wildlife specialist and conservation advocate, will lead the assessment on threatened marine species. His role will include documenting reef fish diversity, key marine species populations, and indicator or threatened species that may reflect the overall health of the ecosystem.

Romeo “Romy” Trono, a marine biodiversity and species protection expert, will provide insights on marine protected area governance and conservation strategies. His work will help identify best practices and lessons that may inform other marine conservation sites supported by Shore It Up!

Angelique Songco, Protected Area Superintendent of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, will provide site management and conservation context, including insights on park management, enforcement, and conservation challenges. She will also support coordination with the Tubbataha Management Office and park rangers.

Completing the team is Bo Mancao, an underwater photographer, dive expedition leader, and marine conservation advocate, who will lead visual documentation and conservation storytelling. His work will help capture the beauty, ecological significance, and conservation value of Tubbataha while documenting the scientific and conservation activities of the expedition.

Advancing marine protection through Shore It Up!

The assessment trip forms part of MPIF’s broader environmental advocacy through Shore It Up!, the MVP Group’s flagship coastal and marine protection program. Now on its 18th year, Shore It Up! continues to support conservation initiatives that bring together science, community engagement, and partnerships to protect the country’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a 97,030-hectare marine protected area within the Coral Triangle and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Its rich marine biodiversity and remote location make sustained monitoring, protection, and collaboration essential to ensuring its long-term health.

Through the Shore It Up! Tubbataha Exploration Dive, MPIF aims to help produce credible scientific insights, conservation recommendations, and compelling visual materials that can support future marine protection projects and encourage broader public participation in marine conservation during and beyond the Month of the Ocean.

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