The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Biodiversity Management Bureau has identified the municipality of Sta. Ana, Cagayan as one of the six project sites nationwide for the establishment of a marine stations to enhance ocean science, resource management and development strategies.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga in a recent visit to region appealed for the support of the local government unit of Santa Ana and other stakeholders to protect and preserve the coastal and marine resources as a scientific marine research hub will be established in the municipality where the famous Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape is located.
“Sta Ana, Cagayan will be the northernmost site to serve as sentinel covering the Northern Philippine Sea marine biogeographic region,” said Loyzaga, stressing the island’s beauty, diverse flora and fauna and vast natural resources.
Loyzaga also said corals living in the northern parts of the Philippines are resilient to climate change per extensive scientific research conducted by the University of the Philippines–Marine Science Institute (UPMSI).
“This project is so important that is why we are working with the UPMSI to create further studies in collaboration with the community, and we would like this to be a center of education so that we know why we need to protect the area,” she said.
DENR Region 2 executive director Gwendolyn Bambalan thanked Loyzaga for considering the region as one of the recipients of the said project.
“We also thank officials of the Philippine Navy, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, local government unit, and other members of the Protected Area Management Board for their support in coming up with this new initiative of our Secretary,” said Bambalan.
Loyzaga along with Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Undersecretary Augusto Dela Peña and head executive assistant Joaquin Loyzaga led a tree-growing activity within the green spaces at the Regional Government Center in Tuguegarao City.
They also led the groundbreaking ceremony for the PENRO Cagayan building graced by Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara, who intervened with the necessary funding assistance.
They conducted meeting with stakeholders of National Irrigation Administration, SN Aboitiz Power Group, the provincial government of Isabela, Cagayan State University and local government unit of Ramon, Isabela for the strengthening of the Magat watershed.
