Skyathon 2016 in Boracay REEFurbishment Project
It’s easy to get lost in the experience that is Boracay. The stretch of white, powdery sand, its crystal clear waters and the always festive atmosphere enveloping the island are sure to give you a break from the madness of city life. Sadly, these also belie the fact that under its waters, reefs are slowly being depleted because of the flurry activity from its endless throngs of visitors.
This year, SKYathon, the summer run initiated by leading cable and broadband provider SKY has given the project a significant boost. That is, by donating 1,000 square meters of coral plantation area.
Specifically, the project involves coral farming or the establishment and maintenance of coral nurseries and coral transplantation.
Good thing the Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI), the local government of Malay, and the Petron Foundation, Inc., have initiated the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP). Under this program, the Coral REEFurbishment Project is being undertaken to reverse the damage made to the marine resources of Boracay Island.
SKYathon’s initiative responds to the call of the Boracay Foundation for help in sustaining the project and in the expansion of the transplantation site.
“Because Boracay contributes to the total SKYathon experience, SKY, via SKYathon, is giving back to the island by way of nursery donation,” Delbert Santos, II, SKY marketing Services Manager said.
How the “reefurbishment” works is quite simple on paper, but it requires long periods of time to yield tangible results.
“This is why SKYathon has decided to contribute 1,000 square meters of transplantation site. Additional areas to plant increases the potential for successfully grown corals,” adds Jaynalen Redondo SKY marketing head for Airtime Sales.
“Volunteerism is at the heart of the Boracay Foundation’s project. SKYathon has successfully gathered hundreds of volunteers through its participants, who are not only joining the run for the fun,” Santos said.