Management success of Apo Reef Natural Park goes hand in hand with strengthing conservation partnership with all the coastal barangays of Sablayan municipality. In 2007, when the whole (or majority) of Apo Reef was categorized under Strict Protection Zone, i.e., a "no take zone," the fishing communities resisted, put pressure on management to relent and re-open former Sustainable Use Areas close to the reefs.

Now I believe the Sablayan locals are realizing the truth to "Healthy Reefs = Healthy Seas." This is the same lesson learned from Tubbataha: a well-conserved reef can provide increased fish catch.