DAGUPAN CITY–A memorandum of agreement is set to be signed between the city of Alaminos, the Lions Club International and the BFAR’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) on Tuesday (28 October) to develop one of the islands in the famous Hundred Islands National Park into a model for fish conservation.

Dr. Westly Rosario, president of Pangasinan Lions Coast in Dagupan City and head of BFAR’s NFRDI based in this city, said part of the proposed agreement is to rename the Clave Island as ‘Lions Island’.

The Clave Island has a total area of 28,285.78 square meters with narrow white beachfront and white sand shorelines, ideal for snorkeling, swimming and diving due to its natural diving area.

Rosario met with city officials led by City Mayor Hernani Braganza early last week to present the proposal in the presence of a council composed of barangay officials, non-government organizations (NGOs), environmentalists, and representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Rosario also clarified that no buildings will be constructed in the island and the natural integrity of the island will be preserved.

When asked by The PUNCH if a sculpture the lion’s head similar to the lion’s head on zigzag road leading to Baguio City, he said there is a plan to install one but it will be an area where the natural beauty of the island will not be disturbed.

He added his club will request for a grant from the Lions International for the purchase of a flat boat with glass bottom so visitors who cannot scuba dive can observe fish activities aided by an eco-tourism educator.

As a result of the meeting, Rosario said he also agreed to field NFRDI personnel, at the request of Braganza, to conduct a technical research to establish the physical profile, chemical parameter, and the biological aspect of the Hundred Islands National Park.

Braganza said BFAR’s presence in the Park will boost its scientific development.

The study will include measuring the depth of the waters in the islands, analysis of the oxygen level and monitoring of presence of salmonella, e-coli and others.

In addition NFRDI will inventory the organisms present in the islands to establish a benchmark on organisms are present in the area.

”Hindi maganda na sirain ang mga bato dun at walang gagalawin sa mga halaman na nandun,” he said.

He also said that he was even told by Mayor Braganza that “it’s about time na gamitan ng science ang pagmamanage ng Hundred Islands.”–CSR

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