THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES

June 3 to 9

June 9, 2012

The first Coral Triangle Day was celebrated in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province and Nasugbu town in Batangas province. Coral Triangle is a marine biodiversity hot spot that covers the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Over 11,000 people simultaneously joined in the activities in 40 different locations in several countries. The event aimed at protecting coral reefs and raising awareness of the threats to the ocean due to overfishing, watershed pollution and coastal development. A beach cleanup was held in Lapu-Lapu City, while an underwater photo documentation of vibrant corals, giant clams and marine turtles was held in Nasugbu. Hero dog Kabang, a mixed-breed who lost her upper snout while saving two girls from being hit by a motorcycle in December 2011, returned to her home in Zamboanga City. Kabang, then 2 years old, came home after eight months of veterinary treatment of her open facial wounds in the United States. Some $27,000 in donations were raised from donors from 45 countries who helped fund Kabang’s treatment at the University of California, Davis. Amotorcade was later held as part of the city government-initiated hero’s welcome.