At the southern western Mindanao, an exceptional bay having a stunning beauty possesses rich

biodiversity and beautiful white sands, the Sarangani Bay. Because of its economical, scientifically
educational, characterized as a tourist destination, the Sarangani bay was declared by the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources as a protected seascape under the Presidential Proclamation 756
in 1996 and belonged to the list of Marine key Biodiversity Areas in the country. The Sarangani bay is
rich in different plants and animals that belongs to the three major marine ecosystem, the Mangroves,
sea grass and coral reefs. different wild animals are found like dugong, whale shark, sea turtles, Sun-fish,
dolphins, whales and the famous Tuna. According to the data, the bay measured 2,449.297 hectares.
The status of the bay is categorized at a fair to good state. The coral reefs are a home to different reef
fishes that provide livelihood for the fishermen. Mangroves thrived in saltwater with 331.74 hectares
having 25 species present. The mangrove protects coastal areas from strong waves and storms. Sea
grasses are a type of grass that lives under water. In Sarangani bay, we have seven common species of
seagrass that support a variety of different animals who live and feed in sea grass beds like marine
turtles and dugong. Seagrass beds provide food and livelihoods and filter coastal waters. Seagrass beds
in Sarangani covers 1,141.301 hectares. Sarangani Bay is abundant in different types of fishes having 998
species. The fishing grounds of the bay give livelihood and different jobs on 55,000 fisher folks and
workers. However, its unique resources and health are at stake because of the pollution that comes
from the surroundings and the increasing population and growing industries. The natural resources of
the bay are slowly and continuing to degrade because of unsustainable developments including in the
exploitation of the natural resources, illegal constructions, increase in numbers of informal settlers and
overfishing. In the face of challenges and threats, PAMB-SBPS stands for the integrity of the bay,
properly managed, fights to protect and preserve the bay. The strategy of involvement brings different
cooperation from sectors of the community, local government units and private organizations. We
always consider and balance long-term development, economic growth, community services and
protection of environment and natural resources. The tourism activity is the primary attraction in the
Sarangani bay. Through the efforts of local government on the protected areas of the bay, it endured
local economy by giving jobs on tourism activities that gives additional income to the community as well
as to the local government that gives opportunities and priorities to the locals adjacent to the resource.
The dive tourism of SBPS is continuing to grow in time. This continues to develop and discover new dive
sites for the promotion of tourism. Other tourist spots that could get attention are the boardwalks
constructed inside the mangroves, kayaking and snorkelling. Sarangani bay have a long and far and way
to reach, so much challenges to face, but by engagement and interaction of active stakeholders, there is
no doubt, the Sarangani bay will be the ultimate destination for opportunities for leadership and
recreational tourism in the country.