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Friday, May 19, 2006
MP4Liguid launched in Samal
By Jojie Alcantara
MP4LIGUID sounds like a new techno gizmo for today's hip generation, but it was exactly titled so to create a stir and generate support and interest among young and old alike.
You see, Liguid Island's surrounding area is one of Davao Gulf's good dive sites for locals and tourists.
Marine Protection For Liguid (MP4) was launched by the Island Garden City of Samal as a project in Barangay Balet last March 10 this year.
Big Liguid Island was said to be heavily damaged by various destructive fishing methods, habitat degradation through urban population, boat anchorage and siltation from agricultural activities.
MP4Liguid aims to rehabilitate and protect its surrounding marine diversity as well provide a natural destination for environment research, education and recreation and to provide livelihood opportunities for the constituents of Barangay Balet and its neighboring communities.
"My dream of Samal is not to be the best dive site alone but for the people to become tourists in other countries," Igacos Mayor Rogelio Antalan said during the launch.
He also hoped for the people to have the ability to find means for them to be able to travel in other places. All the cooperators committed to the project and expressed support for the successful implementation of the program, which was concretized through the covenant signing as manifestation of the commitment.
The ceremonial launch was witnessed and documented by the Sports Unlimited Program of ABS-CBN, along with hosts Marc Nelson and Jackie Castillejo and crew.
The cooperators present were composed of the Sangguniang barangay of Barangay Balet and constituents, headed by Honorable Gerardo Sabal, OIC Barangay Captain; Balet Fishermen and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC); Balet Active Fishermen and Mangrove Association (BAFMA); Buenavisa Island Resort Inc. represented by Resort Administrator Tommy Inigo; The Divers Group of Davao Gulf; Wind and Wave, Carabao Dive Center and other divers group headed by Sonny Dizon; Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional executive director Ricardo Calderon and staff; Captain Zyril Carlos of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao; City Administrator Cleto Bravo Gales Jr.; Igacos Tourism staff; Public Information and City Fisheries staff, as well as other agencies and members of the media.
Recently, more people and celebrities have pledged support to the project.
During the Artificial Reef Placement Ceremony in Big Liguid Sanctuary in line with the Dive the Gulf Festival this year, mangrove planting was led by actress and environmentalist Chin Chin Guttierez and Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Lian Ramos.
Also present were the Department of Tourism XI regional director Sonia Garcia and Councilor Leo Avila, as well as important visitors from Manila.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 19, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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