GIOs discover refreshing way to cope with climate change
ROXAS CITY – A tour of Culajao Mangrove Ecopark in this city’s Barangay Culajao last July 10 has afforded members of the Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers (CAGPIO) an opportunity to experience a natural way of fighting climate change.
The government information officers led by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) were in the coastal community headed by Punong Barangay Rolando Clarito to conduct a Hinun-anon Sa Barangay on climate change and government programs.
Benny Cortes, Public Information Officer of the city government here, said the ecopark, located about 3 kilometers from here, is one of the city’s contribution to the global campaign against global warming and climate change.
The 4.6-hectare ecological park is a community-based project of the city government headed by Mayor Vicente Bermejo in partnership with Katunggan sa Culajao Salbaron Association (KACUSA), Inc. and PEW Fellows Program in Marine Conservation.
And in order to have one means helping cope with the climate shift phenomenon by them, the information officers, whose association is headed by Engr. Julius Abela of the DPWH Capiz First Engineering District here, planted coconut trees along the road leading to the center of the barangay.
Afterwards, they took turns presenting the programs of their respective agencies and offices to baragay residents at the community hall. Later, they had a tour of the eco-park.
Established in 2006, the park is now home to 19 mangrove tree species and 7 kinds of birds, 23 shellfishes, 10 molluscs, 7 fishes, and 8 insects. It is best for educational tours, family outings and group fellowships.
The park also provides livelihood to members of the community-based association that is managing the project.
Describing the transformation and value of the area, Cortes said that what was once an idle and unproductive mangrove has come to life and can help nurture life itself amidst the challenge of environmental degradation.
The ACIW Riders and Manpower Services of the Association of Construction and Informal Workers supported CAGPIO in the conduct of the activity by joining the motorcade and tree planting. (PIA)