The powerful Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026, continues to reveal its devastating impact on communities near Koronadal City. A recent assessment has estimated that coastal uplift caused by the tremor has destroyed marine resources worth a staggering P70 billion along Sarangani Bay.
Cirilo A. Lagnason Jr., Protected Area Superintendent of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, said the figure is based on an initial assessment covering five barangays in Glan, Sarangani. He warned the number could still rise as more barangays along the bay have yet to be evaluated.
Coral Reefs and Seagrass Beds Destroyed
The coastal uplift has exposed wide stretches of coral reefs and seagrass beds, which have started dying alongside their resident organisms including fish and shellfish. The affected area has already reached 340 hectares, posing a serious threat to protected marine species such as dugongs and sea turtles that depend on these habitats for feeding and nesting.
Environment officials explained that the damage poses a serious threat to protected species because some of their habitats and feeding grounds have been exposed or disturbed. Sea turtles may also find it difficult to go back to their nests, with the coastline significantly changed.
Impact on Local Communities
The damage extends beyond environmental concerns. Fishing communities along Sarangani Bay, many of which supply seafood markets in Koronadal City and General Santos City, face an uncertain future as their livelihoods depend on the now-destroyed marine ecosystems. Tourism operators in the coastal areas have also been affected.
Environment officials have installed signages prohibiting entry to the coastal uplift areas, and Bantay Dagat personnel have been assigned to monitor the affected zones. A meeting is scheduled to consolidate actions to assist affected fisherfolk and tourism stakeholders.
Ongoing Assessment
Further biological assessments are expected to determine the full extent of damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and habitats of protected marine species. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XII is preparing a QR code-linked initial report to address concerns from affected communities and stakeholders.
The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit Mindanao in recent years, has affected nearly 1.6 million people across the region according to the NDRRMC. Communities in Sarangani province, located just south of Koronadal City, continue to recover from the disaster.
Sources: MindaNews, DENR Region XII