The Karaang Banwa Marine Protected Area in Barangay Urbiztondo was recognized as 2nd Runner-Up for Best Managed Marine Protected Area in the 2025 HIPADA Siganid Awards, honoring its outstanding marine conservation efforts and strong multi-sectoral collaboration.
Karaang Banwa, a thriving marine sanctuary, is an area adopted and actively protected by Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) under its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
TMC’s support includes providing honorarium for Bantay Dagat personnel, construction of the Bantay Dagat outpost, and the establishment of the Karaang Banwa Marine Education Center — a shell-shaped museum that highlights the sanctuary’s rich marine biodiversity.
The center also features colorful murals portraying the harmonious coexistence between mining operations and marine conservation efforts.
In her message during the awarding ceremony, Claver Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee emphasized the importance of Karaang Banwa’s recognition.
“In Claver, we are often known for our land — rich in minerals, marked by development, and shaped by industry. But today, we are recognized for our waters — ang among kadagatan, our living heritage.”
“The Karaang Banwa Marine Protected Area proves that beneath the waves lies not just beauty but resilience, not just coral and fish but a community’s commitment to panaghiusa, to shared responsibility, and to the belief that the sea belongs to all and must be guarded by all,” Gokiangee said.
“This recognition was not won overnight. It was earned day by day by our fisherfolk, municipal and barangay officials, and the TMC enforcement teams and advocates who believed that marine protection is a way of life.”
In his message of gratitude, TMC Community Relations Manager Mark Vincent Junel E. Felias said: “This recognition is a testament to what we can achieve when communities, local governments, and the private sector work together.”
“Karaang Banwa is more than a protected area — it is living testament that environmental stewardship and responsible mining can go hand in hand. And we, at TMC, remain committed to protecting our marine ecosystems and supporting initiatives that benefit both people and the community.”
Karaang Banwa’s success is part of TMC’s broader ridge-to-reef approach in environmental management.
Beyond marine protection, the company has adopted the Taganito River in Claver and Sabang River in Surigao City, organizes Scubasurero (underwater clean-up) dives, and leads coral propagation and planting activities. It also implements various water protection measures such as establishing settling ponds, river desilting, and regular water quality monitoring.
The award, conferred by the Hinatuan Passage Development Alliance (HIPADA) in partnership with the Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, Inc. (SEDMFI), acknowledges exemplary local initiatives in coastal resource management across the region.
It also aims to inspire communities and local government units (LGUs) to continue preserving marine ecosystems through inclusive and sustainable practices.
