Apo Island's History

Decades ago, this Island paradise is not as enchanting as it is today. Years of dynamite fishing had destroyed its ornate coral reef causing a declining population of marine species in the Island. In order to restore the balance of nature, concerned marine biologists from Silliman University Marine Lab struggled to find a solution to this worsening problem. Dr. Angel Alcala, a pioneering scientist from the Marine Lab, introduced to the community the idea of creating a marine sanctuary. In 1982, community leaders agreed to establish one of the first marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. After some years, school of fish started to return to the Island as more coral found the Island a better place for living.

To date, hundreds of different species of fish, marine life and species of corals have returned to the Island. And 28 years since the establishment of the marine sanctuary, the health of the ecosystem has improved immensely. The community is now reaping the fruits of their hardwork and discipline as the Island is now known to be a tourist destination for its underwater wonders and scenic view.