Guiuan Development Foundation Inc.

Bagonbanwa Island Marine Reserve and Fish Sanctuary located in Guiuan, Eastern Samar is the First Marine Protected Area (MPA) established in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. The Island is comprised of all the three major coastal ecosystems (Mangrove, Coral Reef, Seagrass) with a total area of 28 hectares.

In 1990, when the MPA (Marine Protected Areas) was first established by the Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc. (GDFI), Bagonbanwa Island marine life was still heavily degraded due to blast or dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, and heavy gleaning. Fortunately GDFI saw the opportunity that if Bagonbanwa Island can be rehabilitated and protected this will give the fishes and other marine animals a chance to reproduce and multiply safely. And in turn eventually benefit the nearby coastal communities that depend so much in fishing as their main livelihood. With the support from various donors and partners GDFI was able to rehabilitate the marine life of Bagonbanwa Island and just in five years time the place that once described by Dr. Angelo Alcala as “sterile,” is now teaming with life.

Bagonbanwa Island since then became a venue for Coastal Habitats/Resource Assessment Trainings, Scientific Research, Eco-Tourism, Field Works-Internships, for various Local and International Institutions (e.g. NGO's, Universities, Government Agencies, Tourist and even some Church organizations). The Bagonbanwa Island facilities has the capacity to accommodate up to 50 pax for live-in training/workshops. It was also a fun learning venue to eco-tourist and students who wishes to know more about marine ecosystems.

Unfortunately in 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan utterly destroyed the Island's infrastructures (building, water system and wharf). And not only the Island facilities but also GDFI's Office building at the mainland. Efforts were made to rebuild the lost Infrastructures but due to limited funds most of the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts were mostly focused on GDFI's Office.

Bagonbanwa Island Infrastructure is continually being rebuilt for many years now and progress has been so slow(for obvious reasons). As a Non-Profit Organization GDFI will need everyones help to be able to rebuild back a better Field Station for the Island so once again it can serve the coastal communities and continue to Inspire(specially the young generation..) and promote the importance of marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing and environmental protection.