The coastal municipality of Medina in Misamis Oriental recently hosted Shore It Up, a marine ecological program of the Metro Pacific Investment Corp. participated in by volunteer scuba divers from various business groups.
The center of activity “Duka Reef” was the 30-hectare Marine Protected Area across Duka Bay Resort in Gingoog Bay, a fishery reserve which takes pride in its coral research and enhancement and protection measures.
It boasts of 2,000 species of fish, 5,000 species of clams, mollusks and crustaceans, 22 whale and dolphin species; more than 900 seaweed species; and more than 400 coral species.
A simultaneous solid waste cleanup along the seven-kilometer stretch along the nine beachfront barangays of the Medina was also held, participated in by 2,023 individuals from government and community organizations.
The underwater and coastal cleanup netted 787 kilograms consisting mostly of non-biodegradable solid wastes.
“The fight to preserve the environment is easier said than done. It is a life-long quest. In a small way we started protecting our marine biology,” says Medina Mayor Donato Chan.
The two-day environmental program also consisted of the Junior Environmental Scouts, a creative educational component for children to inculcate concern for Mother Earth through creative art, story-telling and interactive activities.
Facilitated by the MVP Group volunteer divers, the event gathered some 200 elementary students from Medina.
The divers also assembled and deployed of marker buoys where boats can dock near the reef without dropping anchor, which may damage corals.
The SIU will also train local fishermen for the Tawike Monitoring Project in recording sightings of whale sharks in Gingoog Bay, which will serve as basis for conservation programs and a possible eco-tourism activity.
Since its inception in 2009, SIU has tapped more than 70,000 volunteers, and has partnered with some 300 local and national government agencies, community organizations, socio-civic groups, and private entities.
Shore It Up has been hosted by key coastal areas such as Mabini, Batangas; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Subic Bay Freep-ort Zone; Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Del Carmen in Siargao Island, and Panglao and Pamilacan Islands in Bohol, and Surigao City.
As part of a sustained initiatives, previous SIU editions brought about the establishment of Mangrove Propagation and Information Centers, coral laboratories and community-based environmental programs.
