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.

Another Sea Turtle Rescued

A Green Sea Turtle was rescued at the coast of Barangay Sta. Rita, Anilao, Iloilo. Unlike most of the rescued animals for the past years, this one is smaller but rescued live and had to be returned back to the sea by the barangay officials and the BBBRMCI personnel. Awareness on the rescue of sea turtles and other marine mammals in this area heightened due to continued info-campaign of the local officials and the BBBRMCI.

This is the first marine mammal rescued in Banate Bay for this year.

Mangrove Planting: Priority Activity of the BBBRMCI

Mangrove Planting is a priority activity of the BBBRMCI since the CRM program was started. This year, it was expanded and intensified with the National Greening Program of the national government. With the collaboration of DENR and BFAR, more areas were identified for the activity and inviting all agencies, NGOs, schools and private organizations to participate in this endeavor. The activities were implemented with the help of the Barangay Councils and BFARMCs.

Mangrove Monitoring and Assessment: A Revisit

After six (6) years, a mangrove refo project was revisited to assess its growth and density. This is in Bgy. San Fernando, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. Year 2005 when group of environmentalists headed by Barotac Viejo LGU and BBBRMCI started the mangrove planting in this area. The pictures were taken this year 2012 (except the second picture which was taken in 2005). Bakawan plantation showed healthy growth and are now bearing fruits.

Workshop on Local Economic Development Prioritization

A workshop prioritization of economic driver was conducted for the Northeastern Iloilo (BBBRMCI and NIACDEV) Economic Growth Corridor last November 4-5, 2011 at Marbuena Island Resort, Ajuy, Iloilo. The 2 day workshop was participated by planning officers, agriculturist, fishery and environment and tourism officers. Also present were representatives from the academe and the private sector. Three sectors were identified during the workshop; fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Ecotourism was finally identified as the top most economic driver for the growth corridor. This will be the basis for the next step which will be the Value Chain Analysis Workshop and later the Strategic Planning Workshop for the two alliances.