Capiz conducts forum to conserve marine ecosystem
Roxas City -- A forum on Marine Ecology and Mangrove Conservation was conducted at the Provincial Capitol here last September 6 to conserve the marine ecosystem through the cooperation of various sectors in the society.
The forum was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Roxas and Save Olotayan Incorporated.
"We want to get everyone involved in Rotary Club of Roxas and Save Olotayan Inc's drive to conserve our marine ecosystem thru responsible means such as mangrove reforestation," said Rotary Club of Roxas Environmental Projects Chairman Powell Del Rosario.
Del Rosario is also the president of the Save Olotayan, Inc.
The activity was graced by marine biologist Dr. Andre Uychiaoco of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City as guest lecturer and facilitator.
"There was a fruitful discussion because everyone was willing to cooperate," noted Del Rosario.
The forum was attended by representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Capiz State University (CapSU), Capiz Halaran Chamber of Commerce, US Peace Corps, PNP Maricom, Olotayan fisherfolks and landowners, private businessmen, and agriculturists, among others.
Recently, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza callen on environment field officials with coastal areas under their jurisdiction to engage in massive replanting of mangroves.
"Our coastal communities which belong to the lowest economic strata depend so much on marine life for their livelihood. Intensive mangrove replanting will provide them their sources of livelihood as well as provide coastal areas with its innate ecological function," Atienza said.
The coastal clean up and mangrove replanting concerns is part of the directives by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo aimed to promote a green Philippines by coming up with pro-environment measures.
"We will take action to develop a Green Philippine Environment and beautify our communities," the President said of her policies on environment as included in the eight point agenda dubbed "8 by '08."
(PIA)