Bayanihan para sa Inang Bayan (BPI Bayan)-Dumaguete and the Provincial Tourism Office last week launched the Coral- & Turtle-Watching Dumaguete activity to provide an opportunity for local fishers to earn extra income.
According to Gary Rosales, BPI Bayan project coordinator, the turtle-watching program is not only an economic venture for fishers from barangays Looc, Piapi, and Bantayan, but is also “envisioned to decrease the pressure on fisheries in the nearshore areas, as well as heighten public awareness and appreciation of the beauty of the City’s underwater ecosystems and marine life”.
“The coastal waters of Dumaguete are teeming with marine life. Such abundance allows our fishers a decent and sustainable harvest. Yet, their income remains meager,” lamented Rosales.
To mark the event, initial sets of masks, snorkels, and life vests were distributed to the fishers who had been trained as eco-guides by the Provincial Tourism Office from June 14-15.
The occasion was graced by Dumaguete Vice Mayor Maisa Sagarbarria, Councilor Petit Baldado, Glynda Descuatan, and environment activist Nancy Ugsad-Estolloso.
In their messages, they praised the efforts of BPI Bayan, the Provincial Tourism Office, and the respective barangays for the sustainable venture which they said is a “triple-win” for the economy, the people, and the planet.
A mock-tour followed the program. Rosales urged the participants to “take note of the things that could still be improved — the skills of our tour guides, the availability of equipment, and many other things which will make snorkeling or diving in Dumaguete’s coastal waters a pleasing and memorable experience.”
The launch of the Coral & Turtle-Watching activity was part of the celebration of BPI Bayan-Dumaguete’s 13 years of engagement with the communities.
“Throughout its existence, BPI Bayan engages communities and partners through zero-waste initiatives, the propagation of the mangrove species called piapi; reef dome production and deployment, and financial resiliency campaigns,” Rosales said. (PR)
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Photo caption: BPI Bayan-Dumaguete launches its Coral & Turtle-Watching Dumaguete activity, together with the Negros Oriental Provincial Tourism Office.
