Saving seas by growing reefbuds

down to an alarming 20 meters.

Reefbuds were installed in the reefs of Boracay in February 2012. According to Tayag, corals start to grow after a year. “You feel that they’re small, but they’re there. Some grow one centimeter a year, some grow two centimeters a year, they’re slowgrowing but you can see the progress. Using our technology, you can see the marine ecosystem develop, because it’s not only corals. You have sea anemones, algae, and other marine life that make up the marine ecosystem.”

Tayag continued, “Comparing reefbuds with other technologies being used such as Biorock technology, used, you get not only corals and fish but the whole marine ecosystem. Reefbud technology is natural as we put in porous fertile rock and you get coral, fish, algae, sea squirts, crabs, lobsters, octopi, sea urchins and many more. When you drop the reef buds, it’s like a solid sponge. It starts absorbing seawater and all the marine life that is suspended in seawater.”

Globe Telecom, through its corporate social responsibility arm, is one of Code Blue project partners in preserving the marine ecosystem of the island. A clean-up dive which involved close to a hundred volunteers—with Globe employees, subscribers, community divers, and local police— was held in February. The clean-up dive yielded PVC pipes, broken bottles, plastic rope, and driftwood which were all sitting underwater.

“Our support for the Code Blue project is more than just volunteerism and caring for the environment and goes beyond support for the clean-up dive,” shared Rob Nazal, head for Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

Globe also poured in information and communication technology (ICT support) through a Code Blue hotline (0917-720BLUE) for conservation monitoring purposes. A boat, phone kits, and uniforms were also turned over to Sangkalikasan Cooperative and its partners to enable easier coordination reporting, and real-time feedback on conservation and marine protection efforts.