THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) eyed Panguil Bay as a viable site for mariculture zone/park construction and aqua tourism.

Panguil Bay, which is cruising the coastal boundaries of the province, is eyed as a good site replicating that of Sultan Naga Dimaporo and a larger one is planned.

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In a demonstration at the Provincial Capitol amphitheater, held recently and attended by former Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza-Dimaporo, Tubod town, Vice-Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval, Barangay Poblacion Chairman Vicmar Aguilar, town council, DA Regional Director David F. Ernacio, Provincial Agriculturist Letecia Ditucalan, BFAR consultant Perfecto Orbita and Drexel Marquez, affirmed that Panguil Bay is indeed a good area for the project where the zone/park and aqua tourism is to rise.

Moreover, former Governor Angging Dimaporo said that with the consultants' affirmation, the project will be able to augment the living conditions of marginal fisherfolks, create alternative livelihood and employment, lead the province to economic growth and create opportunity for export business.

The proposed mariculture zone/park and aqua tourism is an area on the sea with communal boundary markers subdivided into "plots" for fish cage operation whether small, medium or large-scale projects.

Further, it has navigational lanes and storm resistant mooring system with floating security houses and ancillary support facilities such as waterhouses, cold storage, service boats and the likes.

Once this plan is put into full operation, the barangays representing the marginalized sector will become the prime movers of the project due to their insurable interest for its success.

Also, the barangays concerned will be able to add up to their coffers through collection of taxes and fees due to them.

The realization of this project will definitely enhance biodiversity and conservation of marine life for ecological balance as well as enhance the entrepreneurial ability of marginalized fisherfolks in the province.

Target high value species, which will be propagated in fish cages, are leopard coral grouper, coral grouper, tiger grouper, humpback grouper, peacock hind, black pomfret, seabass and sergeant fish. (PR)