Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – A team from Balyena.org, led by Dr. Jo Marie V. Acebes, Founder and Principal Investigator, paid a courtesy visit to the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 2 (DA-BFAR2) to discuss their new and groundbreaking project, Ecosystem-based Conservation of the Babuyan Marine Corridor: The Only Breeding Ground of Humpback Whales in the Philippines.
The team was warmly welcomed by BFAR Region 2 Director, RD Angel B. Encarnacion, and Dr. Emma L. Ballad. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore the importance of the Babuyan Marine Corridor, a vital breeding ground for the endangered humpback whales, and discuss strategies to protect this unique ecosystem.
The new project, which focuses on ecosystem-based conservation, aims to safeguard the marine environment of the Babuyan Islands and ensure the continued preservation of this critical habitat for humpback whales, which are known to migrate to this region for breeding and calving.
During the visit, both parties discussed potential collaboration opportunities, the integration of scientific research, and community engagement to ensure the sustainability of the project. The visit highlighted the importance of cross-sector cooperation in marine conservation and was a significant step towards fostering long-term protection for one of the Philippines’ most important marine ecosystems.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect the Philippines’ marine biodiversity and secure the future of humpback whales in the region.





