A PRICELESS Legacy: CI-GEF and DENR-BMB Launched Project to Safeguard the Future of the Philippine Rise

^{Participants gather at the “Rising Together: Launching and Inception Event of the PRICELESS Project’, marking the official start of the initiative to safeguard the future of the Philippine Rise.}

 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),  through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), in partnership with Conservation International (CI) and with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), formally launched the Philippine Rise Integrated Conservation for Enduring Legacies through Ecosystem Support Services (PRICELESS) Project¹ during the “Rising Together: Launching and Inception Event of the PRICELESS Project,” held on 03-04 February 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.

 

The launching and inception event served as the formal introduction of the PRICELESS Project and as a venue to discuss with stakeholders² its objectives, expected outcomes, and implementation arrangements while fostering ownership and sustained engagement among partner institutions.

 

The five-year project, funded under the GEF 7th Replenishment Fund, seeks to strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR), covering an area of 352,390 hectares, including a 49,684-hectare strict protection zone and a 302,706-hectare multiple-use zone.

 

DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones emphasized in his opening remarks the role of partners³⁴⁵ and members of the PRMRR Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) in ensuring effective governance. He emphasized that the platform provided by the project enables agencies and stakeholders to coordinate mandates and maximize operational efficiencies.

 

He added that sustained commitment to the project’s strategic direction would be essential in ensuring that its governance mechanism remains robust and that conservation actions translate into meaningful on-the-ground outcomes.

 

^{Stakeholders and partners engage in discussions and presentations during the formal launching and inception event of the PRICELESS Project, held to outline objectives and foster collaboration}

 

DENR-BMB Assistant Director, Mariglo I. Laririt who served as the Chair of the event, was pleased that the PRICELESS Project is finally taking off. She was hopeful and optimistic that the project will be able to provide more strategic guidance on how to manage the Philippine Rise and the PRMRR effectively, especially in the face of challenges faced such as destructive and illegal fishing, among others. She highlighted the vital role of the youth and fellow citizens in providing supplemental support to marine science, highlighting its importance in achieving the country’s long-term goals.

 

In her closing message, delivered through Dr. Al O. Orolfo, Director of the Foreign Assisted and Special Projects, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh emphasized the long-term responsibility borne by today’s decision-makers.

 

She called on stakeholders to ensure that future Filipinos will remember this generation for choosing cooperation over fragmentation, science over speculation, and stewardship over short-term gain.

 

^{DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla places his inscription on the commitment board, promising to “fully support” the PRICELESS Project. During the DENR flag ceremony on February 9, 2026, the Secretary along with Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change and GEF Philippines Operational focal point Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh led the ceremony for manifestation of commitment to PRICELESS along with other Undersecretaries present. These pledges and signatures symbolize a shared commitment to safeguarding the Philippine Rise and inspire everyone to champion this important cause.}

 

Echoing these calls for collective action, DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla expressed his full support for the project during the DENR flag ceremony on 9 February 2026. He emphasized the importance of protecting the Philippine Rise and safeguarding its globally significant biodiversity, while supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

 

The CI-GEF-DENR-BMB PRICELESS Project is expected to strengthen environmental governance, enhance marine protection, and generate sustainable economic opportunities for coastal communities through science-based management, inclusive partnerships, and long-term institutional support.

 

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<sub>1. The Philippine government, through DENR-BMB with CI-GEF, will serve as the project’s implementing and executing agency. DENR-BMB will provide technical guidance and facilitate coordination among national, regional, and local agencies. 
2. The PRICELESS Project involves local governments from Regions II, III, IV-A, and V, including the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Albay, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes. 
3. Partner organizations, including the Zoological Society of London and Haribon Inc., will implement specific project activities under sub-grant agreements that will contribute to public awareness campaigns, sustainable livelihood initiatives, and technical assistance.
4. The Project Management Unit will be led by the PEMSEA Resource Facility as Executing Agency Support Partner, with Mr. Renato Cardinal serving as Project Lead and Ms. Ingrid Narcise as Deputy Project Lead.
5. The Rising Together: Launching and Inception Event of the PRICELESS Project was supported by the DENR Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Services and the DENR Ocean Environments Task Force. Other agencies/offices in attendance are DENR National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, DENR Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, DENR Regional Office II, III, IV-A, and V, DA Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, DA-BFAR Regional Fisheries Offices II and III, Fisheries Management Area 1, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Office of Senator Camille Villar, Haribon Foundation, and the Zoological Society of London.</sub>