Brgy. Bago Aplaya makes artificial reefs with DCWD
Through Davao City Water District’s Artificial Reefs Making Contest in Brgy. Bago Aplaya, five artificial reefs were completed and submitted for the first round of judging on July 28, 2017. Each reef represented the participating purok’s concept of an effective man-made structure that will enhance fish habitat.
Participants were Purok 13-Seaside, Purok 14-Saavedra, Purok 17-Bliss, Purok 19-Balai, and Purok 21-D’Garden. Judging the artificial reefs based on functionality (25%) and concept and originality (10%) were Raul C. Millana, head of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Aimee C. Evora, Marine Protected Area (MPA) coordinator of the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO); and Dominic Jone C. Cabactulan of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
DCWD has been working closely with these agencies in their capacity as members of Davao City Coastal Resource Management-Technical Working Group which has the collective expertise and jurisdiction over MPAs in the city to ensure proper construction of artificial reefs and identification of strategic installation site. Site survey and GPS mapping and orientation on artificial reefs making were earlier conducted in May 2017.
A community Zumba was also organized as part of DCWD’s year round 2Big Campaign of collecting discarded plastic bottles to be recycled into chairs for upland schools. Around 200 residents participated and traded their plastic bottles for freebies bearing water conservation and environment protection messages.
On behalf of DCWD management, official spokesperson Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. thanked Brgy. Capt. Cristito B. Lazaro who also graced the activity for hosting DCWD’s community-based endeavors as well as the partner agencies. DCWD also thanked the Office of the City Mayor for its support and for the free lugaw.
The five purok participants received consolation prizes and DCWD customized IEC materials. Winners will be named and awarded in October 2017 after the conduct of an underwater survey during the second round of judging to determine the points for environmental compatibility and durability (35%) and stability (30%).
The artificial reefs will be installed underwater in August 2017.