Reef program to revive Batangas fish environment

By Alex Villafania INQUIRER.net AFTER years of decline in reef ecosystem and destruction of marine biodiversity, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) is set to implement the Reef Ecosystem Enhancement Flagship Project (REEF) on a specific shoreline in Bauan, Batangas in an effort to improve and protect the area's marine ecosystem. PBSP partnered with Dow Chemical Pacific Limited to implement the project, as well as with the Conservation International (CI) and the First Philippine Conservation (FPC) to cover the recently concluded a study tour in Bauan, Batangas. The tour involved bringing government officials from Bauan to Verde Island, also in Batangas, which was a former recipient of the REEF Project. Both CI and FPC assisted the communities in Verde Island to improve their marine biodiversity and eventual conversion of the Verde Passage into a marine protected area. In fact, Verde Island has been hailed by the World Conservation Union and the US Smithsonian Institute for its biodiversity and has already likened Verde Island to Australia's legendary Great Barrier Reef. PBSP Program Officer Terteen Omaña said the REEF Project’s goal is to raise the awareness among residents of Bauan and providing orientation on coastal management. The training would be provided by the CI and FPC. "This partnership with CI and FPC is our means of proving to the members of the community that it can be done; and with their strong commitment and ownership of the project, it is possible," Omaña said. Currently, two artificial reefs made of concrete were deployed in two villages in Bauan. Another set of concrete artificial reefs would be deployed in July. Town officials will also be undergoing training on resource management and advocacy for marine protected areas.