I was going over Facebook and I found a very interesting Independence Day Post in Doc Michael Macrohon's timeline and also from the Sangkalikasan Reefbuddies Page.
Several years ago, my diver friends have pined on the worst state of the Sta. Cruz Island's coral reef due to irresponsible blasting and lack of care for the conservation of the Zamboanga City marine ecosystem.
To add to their sentiments, there were no defined responsibilities and policies from concerned government agencies and thus, Zamboanga City's marine park seemed to be last in the list of government priorities.
They love diving and find the beautiful dive spots in the Philippines and hope that one day, our Sta. Cruz Islands underwater life would be as awesome!
I also shared with Doc Mike and Rodel R. that I really enjoyed Coron's several marine parks (@2007) even if it was just snorkeling that I could do! And I wished that we could do that in Sta. Cruz Island, too! Then, it seemed just like a story...
I remember Doc Mike sharing that maybe we could have a Halloween theme undersea with skeletons (among many other themes), and this may be related to his being an Orthopedic surgeon!
I am so proud of Doc Mike, that he is now one of the moving forces for saving Zamboanga City's coral reef and his dream and Zamboanga City's dream will soon be a reality!
In fact, I have seen Doc Mike post many interesting marine like such as fish and corals these days...
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| The Zamboanga Reefbuddies with the NAVY and Sangkalikasan Reefbuddies working hand in hand to protect and restore the marine ecosystem |
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| One of the most interesting innovation is the development of volunteers from the Badjao community , making them partners in saving their own environment! |
There is also a very informative and inspiring video by Doc Michael Macrohon in his FB Page and I would like to share the introduction which gives us an idea on what the program represents, what they do, and who they would want to thank!
I really look forward to the day when Zamboanga's marine life would be fully developed!
Thanks to all who are instrumental in making this environmental advocacy possible and hope that others may follow:
~~~ the political will to decide this as a priority program as well as support and fund this noble cause...
~~~ government agencies who will work hand in hand for key performance indicators to be achieved, and not fight over who gets the accolade...
~~~ the organizations who support and help finance the initiatives
~~~ all the divers especially Dive Team Zamboanga and Sangkalikasan Reefbudies who have shared their talents and abilities to develop our marine ecosystem
~~~ the Badjao community for now recognizing these efforts and help as volunteer divers
~~~ all the Zamboanga City citizens and friends who in one way or the other support and help the cause
~~~ all other folks (from all over the world) who want to share in the environmental advocacy to help Zamboanga City's marine life!
And to my friends, Doc Mike, Jaybee, Rodel, Carlo and Robert, happy diving in soon-to-be one of the best dive sites of the world!
P.S.
1. Congratulations, Doc Mike who is now a NAUI Course Director!
2. Congratulations to Rodel Rodriguez as NAUI master scuba diver
3. I hope Sangkalikasan Reefbuddies do not mind my using their photos and captions.
4. And this is not a paid advertisement but as support of a friend who believes in the cause.
From FB: Sangkalikasan Reefbuddies shared No era dificil de ayudar a zamboanga. Cada uno y todos contribuye y su entusiasmo es inspirador."
ReplyDeleteFrom FB: Michael Macrohon shares "Thank you doctora. you have touch our heart with this maybe someday our local government will take notice on what we are doing."
ReplyDeleteCoral transplant is something new. We usually do coastal cleaning and also with mangroves.
ReplyDeleteIt is very new for us too!
DeleteI've been to Coron several years ago and you can really see the beauty under the sea even without diving. I wish I could also visit that pink island and good luck on the project.
ReplyDeleteYes. I was inspired to write about after appreciating Coron!
DeleteWow this is so amazing and unique activty, cleaning coastal and planting also the sea weeds, this is fun you're just not having fun but you are showing your care and concern for our nature.
ReplyDeleteI do salute these divers and glad that they included the local community!
DeleteWe rarely pay attention to marine life even if it's one of the best features that we have. It's so nice to know that there are people who are making a stand and taking action.
ReplyDeleteExactly!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope there'll be many people who are consider with marine life. If I have the courage to dive under then I'll volunteer, hehe. Anyway Doc, congratulations to the team!
ReplyDeleteI mean concern. Typo error :(
DeleteThey are my friends but I don't dive, too! Just want to help share their story!!!
DeleteI love their advocacy, people should really care about our coral reef.. It is the habitat of the sea creatures.. I hope i can try scuba diving one day..
ReplyDeleteIt is summer... might be the best time to start!
DeleteThanks for sharing this amazing story and advocacy. I admire their their dedication to save the Philippines coral reefs. A nice reflection to everyone to take good care of nature.
ReplyDeletewww.sweetcuisinera.com
What I like most is the involvement of the Badjao to the advocacy.
DeleteCool to see that they are taking care of the coral reefs in the area.
ReplyDeleteCool indeed!
DeleteWow! Such a great activity to promote this kind of advocacy. I would love to be part of this kind of group too.
ReplyDeleteEveryone who is willing to help is appreciated!
DeleteI envy the divers! I don't even know how to swim! lol!. I wish it's not too late to learn.
ReplyDeleteI also leave the environmental advocacy undersea to them!!!
DeleteThis is a good advocacy! Would love to be part of something special like this. :)
ReplyDeleteA very special advocacy ... something not everyone can do!
DeleteSana ma-develop na ang Sta Cruz Island para maganda magsnorkeling at mag-diving! It is abouttime for people to spearhead improvement for our uneerwater life.
ReplyDeleteWe pray that the corals they have planted would be more abundant by now, and that the Sta. Cruz marine life would be more diversified and beautiful. We hope the next set of City Government leaders would include the marine ecosystem as a priority program.
DeleteAng galing naman ng grupong Ito! Kakaiba din ang "environment" na tinutulungan nila.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that they are using their talent and skills for this advocacy!
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