Coral restoration at the 100 Isles begins
ALAMINOS CITY— A P5.2-million project that aims to harness potentials of underwater tourism industry and improve productivity of coral reef resources for sustainable fisheries was launched on December 16 at the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) here.
The project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Council of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Natural Resources, Research and Development (PCAARRD) in collaboration with implementing agencies namely Pangasinan State University (PSU)-Alaminos City, RVS4-Star, Philippine Army, and the Sangkalikasan, is geared at harnessing the potentials of underwater tourism industry.
According to Virna Gulle-Salac, the planning officer of PCAARRD, the project was launched after completing a test on the chemical composition of the clay to be used in the reproduction process.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dexter Buted, the new president of PSU, said the campus will provide the manpower to support the project.
The coral rehabilitation and transplantation procedures next month, January 2015.
All other representatives of the main stakeholders such as Major General Henry Sabarre, the Division Commander of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and General Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., former AFP Chief of Staff and now a Project Staff of RV4Star have pledged their commitment to the project.
The project will then be turned-over to the city government after a year.
City Mayor Arthur Celeste said the project that took six months to prepare, will help promote tourism in the city.
Meanwhile, the local government unit of Alaminos City and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Alaminos conducted an ocular inspection today on Dec. 17 at the HINP to identify and assess the tidal plot particularly the southernmost part of the islands for possible mangrove plantation and propagation of various mangrove associate species.
This is in line with the National Greening Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which provides funding for such notable activity. (Tita Roces/Johanne Macob)
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