Published May 2025in SDG 14
A subsidiary of First Philippine Holdings (FPH), the First Gen Corporation (First Gen) conducts initiatives in support of the Batangas MPA and BDN as part of its commitment to marine conservation. Through its ‘Center of Center’ Program, First Gen has contributed to strengthening marine law enforcement in the Province of Batangas. Its initiatives contribute to SDG indicator 14.5.1.p1 (coverage of marine protected areas in relation to total marine areas) under SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
The Batangas MPA and BBDN’s efforts towards sustaining the regular patrols of its Bantay Dagat Teams have resulted in the reduction of illegal fishing incidents. Subsequently, an increase in fish catch and enhanced marine biodiversity in the area has been observed. Official identification cards have been issued to 1,236 Bantay Dagat members from 2022 to 2025 to ensure that these community volunteers have the authority to enforce marine laws and protect designated marine conservation areas.
First Gen also facilitated the conduct of a carrying capacity assessment of the mangrove forest in Barangay Lagadlarin for the local government unit of Lobo, Batangas. This capacity-building activity was conducted in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños School of Environmental Science and Management. Following the carrying capacity assessment, First Gen cascaded the learnings to the Batangas MPA and BDN. It also engaged in a partnership with Make A Difference Travel to develop a sustainable community-based eco-tourism package for Lobo, Batangas, along with an online adventure tourism program.
These initiatives have been credited with having a positive effect on marine protected areas. A coral reef assessment carried out by the ABS-CBN Foundation in Lobo, Batangas in 2022 revealed that study sites in Lobo, Batangas yielded a hard coral cover of over 50 percent relative to the national cover average of 22.8 percent. First Gen remains committed to its role as a technical partner of the Batangas MPA and BDN in marine conservation, particularly through its capacity-building initiatives.
