by Kharlle G. Lapad

MEDINA, Misamis Oriental (Jan. 14) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Fisheries Resource Management Section (FRMS), took part in the Coral Reef Installation activity and SCUBAsurero, an underwater clean-up drive, here today.

The initiative was spearheaded by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company – Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (PMFC MORPPO) in line with their activity’s “MAKAKALIKASAN” core value.

Thirty-four licensed scuba divers from various sectors deployed 12 units of 60-by-60 centimeter cube-shaped hollow concrete to serve as homes to various marine organisms to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity, and manage fisheries in the Duka Bay area.

Together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Gingoog City, Medina Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the activity showcased a unified effort to restore and preserve the area’s marine ecosystem sustainability.

Notably, PCOL Wilbur M. Salaguste, Provincial Director of Misamis Oriental, expressed his firm belief in the great potential of the province for marine biodiversity, especially in areas such as Balingoan, Magsaysay, and parts of Initao.

“I would like to thank everyone who participated in this meaningful activity. Your dedication, your time, and efforts have made a huge impact on our mission to be ‘makakalikasan’,” Salaguste shared.

By giving tangible support to marine conservation advocacies, BFAR-10 reaffirmed its commitment through future collaborations.

Further, in this combined effort of government agencies, private entities, and local communities, the activity was closed by removing sacks of trash and debris found underwater. (KLAPAD//BFAR10-FRMS)