BBBRMCI Celebrated 16th Foundation Week

February 28, 1996 was the signing of the Banate Bay Resource Management Agreement of 1996 between and among the Municipalities of Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo and later with Barotac Viejo in 2002. 2012 marked another challenging year for the partnership with the member Municipalities and its constituents.

To simply commemorate the occasion, a week long celebration was held with the Mangrove Planting in various areas; Dangulaan, Anilao in February 24, 2012 and in San Fernando, Barotac Viejo in February 28, 2012. February 27, 2012, study tour of graduate students from Yokohama National University in Japan and a thanksgiving mass and lecture on mangrove nursery management was conducted in March 1, 2012.

The 31 BFARMC Chairmen, Barangay Officials, PNP and some LGU personnel actively participated in all the activities.

Another Sea Turtle Rescued

A new specie of sea turtle was rescued in one of the fishermen's nets along Barangay San Juan, Barotac Viejo last February 29, 2012. Due to heightened awareness of local fishermen, reported cases of rescuing these animals had been increasing in Banate and Barotac Bay municipalities.

Along with the POs and BFARMCs, BBBRMCI continue to advocate this kind of environmental protection of marine animals.

To date, three species of marine turtle was already cited in the area. These were hawsbill, green sea turtle and the latest is the kemps ridley turtle. The latest specie is around 40-50 kilograms in weight.

Yokohama National University Students Visited BBBRMCI area

Some 24 graduate students from Yokohama National University visited Tinori-an River and the Oyster Culture Project initiated by Tinorian Small Fishermen Association and BBBRMCI. This project was a recipient of the JICA assistance in 2008-2010. Together with their Professors and counterpart institution which is UST, they got to see how oysters were cultured and harvested.

The students from came from different countries namely; Myanmar, Zembabwe, Japan, China, Kyrgyz, Mongolia, Bangladesh Ethioppia and the Philippines.

On board the BBBRMCI Monitoring Boat, the group arrived in Banate early morning of February 27, 2012 and had a cruise along Tinori-an River. Of course, some have not resisted the taste of fresh oysters, freshly harvested from bamboo rafts and stakes. The tour was facilitated by BBBRMCI staff with the recommendation from JICA Philippines office.

Public Hearing held for Anilao Marine Sanctuary

A public hearing was conducted last February 5, 2012 at Barangay Dangulaan, Anilao, Iloilo by

Sangguniang Bayan of Anilao for the proposed Anilao Marine Sanctuary The area covering 36.0

hectares consists of two delicate ecosystems; the Anilao Coral Garden (4.0 has) and the Sea

Grass Reserv e(32.0 hectares).

The crafting of this proposed ordinance was started in early 2010 and was

finalized in the late 2011. The public hearing was conducted to get the sentiments of

the affected communities and stakeholders. Affected fisherfolks aired their

sentiments but the SB stand firm on their proposal with the assurance that assistance

will be given to affected ones.

Vice Mayor June Sargado headed the public hearing together with the

Committee Chairman SB Member Warlito Araneta and other SB members of Anilao.

Hibotkan Rock Sanctuary Visited

The 25.0 hectare Hibotkan Rock Sanctuary in Banate, Iloilo was visited by no less than the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Renerose "Dot" Caborubias last January 2012. Together with the BBBRMCI staff, Mayor Dot inspected the area to have a first hand observation of the protected area.

As observed, growth of corals have improved but still there are evident signs of encroachment by fishers. The 25.0 hectare was declared as a "no take zone" area by the Municipality of Banate.

The ordinance needs review to allow tourism activities in designated areas as soon as zoning of the sanctuary is approved by the local sanggunian.

The group headed by Mayor Dot planted mangrove seedlings in the land portion of the sanctuary to test the viability of mangrove survival in the area.

Research Congress held in Banate, Iloilo

A Research Congress, a collaboration between the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas Campus, the BBBRMCI, Municipality of Banate, Banate Central Elementary School and Pfizer was held last February 18, 2012 in Banate Central Elementary School.

The Congress aimed to present the results of the researches conducted by PhilSci students to the community. Fisherfolks, pupils, BFARMCs, local leaders and teachers were invited to attend this Congress. Student researchers each presented the results as in a market scene and three (3) selected researches were presented in a small room for selected audience.

The event was successful with the help of the supporting agencies.

Sea Turtle Rescued in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

Another sea turtle was rescued in Barangay Santiago, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

This year, smaller sized sea turtle like this were rescued in Banate and Barotac Bay. Thanks to vigilant fishing communities for their awareness on protecting our aquatic wildlife.

The animal was immediately returned to the sea with the help of the fisherfolks.