DENR 7 earmarks Php 20 M to TSPS

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=870195
• Saturday, March 26, 2016

(PNA), RMA/EB/RSM

CEBU CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has earmarked Php 20 million through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) to protect and manage one of the country’s protected seascape.

“We are allocating a sizeable amount of budget for 2016 to pursue major programs and projects related to protected area management; nature conservation, rehabilitation and protection; and establishment of protected area facilities and amenities in TSPS,” said DENR 7 Regional Director and PAMB TSPS Chair Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo in a statement.

Under the protected area management with a budget of Php 1.7 million, the activities are survey, mapping and assessment of marine protected areas; inventory of coastal marine resources users; operationalization of TSPS PAMB; and coordination meetings with other law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders.

Some PHP2.47 million was set aside or nature conservation, rehabilitation, and protection.

This include provision of financial assistance to the local government units or people’s organizations for the implementation of coastal resources management-related projects; monitoring and patrolling; and information, education and communication.

The biggest chunk goes to the establishment of protected area facilities and amenities with a total budget of PHP15.640 million for the operationalization of a protected area office (PAO), capability building, and procurement of office equipment, motorcycles and patrol boats.

Montejo said the TSPS has been regarded as an important migration corridor for whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals, making it a preferred destination for whale-watchers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

The TSPS, which lies between the islands Negros and Cebu and covers 521,018 hectares and borders 677 kilometers, is among the country’s top 10 major fishing grounds where about 26,000 fishers operate.

The TSPS was declared a protected seascape by virtue ofPresidential Proclamation 1234 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos last May 27, 1998 in recognition of its extraordinary abundance and diverse assemblage of dolphins, whales and other marine species.