Marine park staging area, outpost launched

SAMAL Island – The Sanipaan Marine Park Staging Area and 24/7 Monitoring Outpost at the Sanipaan Marine Park, Barangay Tambo, Island Garden City of Samal (Samal Island) was formally launched on September 13, 2017.

The launching of the project was done in partnership with the Barangay Council of Tambo, the Local Government Unit of Samal Island, Province of Davao del Norte, and the private sector.

The Sanipaan Marine Park Staging Area is a space for the management to accommodate visitors and orient the do’s and don’ts in Sanipaan Marine Shoal. Its components are the tourism information, souvenir shop, and dressing room for the guests while the 24/7 post will be manned by personnel appointed by the barangay.

“Davao del Norte has been blessed with rich natural resources – from highland to island. These blessings, however, should be preserved and protected to be enjoyed by the present and future generations," said Adonis Varquez, Provincial Executive Assistant on behalf of Davao del Norte Governor Anthony G. del Rosario.

The Sanipaan Marine Park is identified as an eco-tourism zone and community-based tourism by the city and barangay government. The operation of the park started in 2000 with a vision of inclusive growth.

“Our income will continue to flourish if we protect our environment; this is not only for our city but also for the community," said Samal Vice Mayor Orly A. Amit.

“I hope this staging area will give more opportunities not only to the residents in Tambo but to the whole Samal Island," said Barangay Tambo Captain Johnel Montes.