Danjugan Island Learning Center inaugurated
BACOLOD CITY -- A learning center worth P3.275 million located in Danjugan Island, Municipality of Cauayan, was inaugurated, Monday.
The activity started with a program followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and blessing of the learning center, patrol boat and watch tower in the island officiated by Fr. Ramon Olan, Cauayan Parish Priest.
The learning center with two sleeping cabanas, kitchen and dining areas is funded by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI) headed by its president, Gerry Ledesma. It is located in the third lagoon of the 43-hectare Danjugan Island.
The watch tower that costs P685,000 was funded by German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and P60,000 of which is funded by the PRRCFI. It is 500 meters away from the learning center, complete with equipment and search lights.
GTZ also turned over a patrol boat worth P 550,000, for the use of the Bantay Dagat volunteers.
A marker in the center states, “The Danjugan Island Learning Center is dedicated to the Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development Education of the youth and students of the Southern Negros Coastal Development Project Site who may become its future leaders, politicians and stewards. The Center is funded under the International Climate Change Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Natural Conservation and Nuclear Safety through the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) in partnership with the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Project “Adaptation to Climate Change and Conservation of Biodiversity in the Philippines (ACCBio).”
Present in the activity were 6th District Board Member Adolfo T. Mangao, Sr., Dr. Uwe Scholz of GTZ and staff, OIC Provincial Planning and Development Officer Marlin P. Sanogal, former E.B. Magalona Mayor and PRRCFI Trustee Alfonso Gamboa, Provincial Tourism Officer Jennylind Cordero and staff, Provincial Environment Management Officer Atty. Edwin Abanil and staff, and employees and officers from the Municipality of Cauayan and Hinoba-an, and Bantay Dagat volunteers, among others.