JAGNA – The Local Government Unit headed by Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla and Municipal Agriculture Officer Camilo Rizano in collaboration with US Peace Corps volunteer Jeremy Horowitch launched last December 6 the LGU's Underwater Survey and Clean-up Project at the Multi-Purpose hall of barangay Cantagay this town. Barangay Captain Joel Rosario in his welcome address pointed out that this project was very important. It will be a first step towards creating good livelihood for the people in the future. He was hoping that this challenge will be supported by his council and all the Cantagaynons until its realization. Rizano enlightened the attendees of the history of the protection of Jagna's coastal areas. He said that around ten years past 9 marine sanctuaries were established in nine coastal barangays of Jagna. This is part of the Coastal Resource Management program of the DENR in collaboration with Bohol Environment Management Office, the Local Government Unit and People's Organizations. The CRM is aimed at revitalizing the country's coastal areas, seas and marine life.

“Our goal is to do underwater assessment, dive site maps, and a very massive underwater clean-up” said US Peace Corps volunteer Jeremy Horowitz who is heading the underwater clean-up and survey team. “There are very rare coral, fish species and clam specie found under the waters of Cantagay”, while showing pictures he took of corals and other marine life. Jagna seas has the potential to become a diving site after massive clean-up and assessment. He said he would like to “make Jagna what Apo is now”. Mr. Horowitz encouraged all Cantagaynons to protect their seas and be active in taking part in the initiative of taking care and providing some respite for the corals grow. Mayor Abrenilla is very supportive of this endeavor. “This is one of my visions for Jagna to be”, the local chief said. “I want to develop ecotourism, develop dive sites for coastal barangays” he further stressed. He said Jagna is fortunate that Mr. Horowitz has been assigned here to help manage the planned coastal projects. Now is the time to do more towards his goal of giving another source of livelihood for the coastal barangays and improve the quality of life of the Jagnaanons. He said that the LGU extends its full support to the project. (Amiela Singco-Balaba)