P20M allotted for protection of Tañon Strait

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources- 7 has allotted nearly P20 million for the protection, conservation and management of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).

"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 Protected Area Management Board TSPS chair Isabelo Montejo.

The P19.8 million budget was coursed through the PAMB of TSPS.

Bulk of the amount goes to the establishment of protected area facilities and amenities with a total budget of P15.640 million pesos for the operationalization of a protected area office (PAO), capability building, and procurement of office equipment, motorcycles and patrol boats.

The nature conservation, rehabilitation and protection got 12.5 percent budget share or P2.5 million, while P1.7 million is earmarked for the Protected Area Management (PAM).

The activities under PAM include 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.

On the other hand, nature conservation, rehabilitation, and protection cover the provision of financial assistance to the local government units or people's organizations for the implementation of coastal resources managementrelated projects; monitoring and patrolling; and information, education and communication.

The work and financial plan was presented during the second general assembly of TSPS PAMB on March 10 in Cebu City which was attended by at least 285 members to include 14 mayors, 203 barangay local government units and other stakeholders.

Moreover, Montejo said TSPS has been regarded as an important migration corridor for whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. He added that Tañon Strait is a preferred destination for whalewatchers, 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. —

B. Quintas/ATO

Kristine