Blinking cause on marine conservation sparks again after World wetland day

LOON-A month after the celebration of the World Wetland Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-Bohol) has tried to sustain the blinking campaign on preservation of the marine resources. As led by CENRO Samuel Racho, the heightened information dissemination continue to stretch after public concern was rekindled during the annual celebration of the World Wet Day last February 2.

The annual activity which focused on the theme, “Fish for Tomorrow”, was aimed to raise public awareness on the vast benefits that wetlands provide and the immediacy of the measures to protect its loss and degradation. The activity was held in barangay Pantudlan, Cabilao Island , in this town in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the local government unit and the barangay officials of Pantudlan. Racho led the series of information dissemination in the barangay as he discussed the importance of wetlands, while Loloy Milana of the BFAR tackled topics on Fisheries Conservation.

The LGU representative, Ronnie Robenta talked on the implementation of solid waste management in the municipality. After the lectures, the group dispersed about 1,000 bangus fingerlings to the lagoons of Pantudlan and Looc, Cabilao Island. Also during the World Wetland Day, it was commemorated that a convention was signed on Wetlands on February 2, 1971 in the Iranian City of Ramsar wherein the Philippines became the 82nd contracting party. Presidential Proclamation 74 signed by former Pres. Joseph Estrada on February 2, 1999 , declares every February 2nd as “National Wetland Day”. Wetlands encompasses reef flats and seagrass beds in coastal areas, through mudflats, mangroves, estuaries, rivers, freshwater and saline marshes and lakes. If properly managed, wetlands can be a vital lifeline for the poor.

Last February 05 during a Monday Program held at the DENR-Bohol office, Certificates of Appreciation and Fishermen's Hats were handed to the following, who have supported the Marine Turtle (Pawikan) Conservation Program namely: Lito Ilyana, Julius Mario Dumangan, Florencio Arocha, Elpidio Jungco, Jose Mahingke, Ahmad Nadle, Diores Bohol, Rafael Salazar, Romulo Salarza, Exequil Abejo, Rihard Bartolo, PLDT Reynaldo Evora, PPMaj. Aquilino Estolaga, Romeo Canete, Hon. Benecio Uy, Joselino Baritua, SP02 Bonifacio Paredes, Anabelle Reyes, Florito Rebucas, Sr. Florito Rebcas,Jr. Rolando Lanupos, Isabelo Elle, Victore Boligao, Rolando Cosicol and Elma Rebucas.

In the month of February, two Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) were saved from being trapped in fishnets. The first one in Sitio Bonbon, Manga District, Tagbilaran City last February 19, saved by Francisco Ighot, Tony Torillo, Genes Agtas, Willy Pequit, and Filoteo Sapong. The other one was in Maribojoc Bay last February 20, saved by Felipe Calma together with other fishermen. After the DENR team took data and measurements, the marine turtles were released back to their habitat.

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