TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has indefinitely closed the unique and bio-diverse seas within the protected area in the Panglao Island Protected Seascapes (PIPS) , from human activities, except for gleaning and boat passage towards Balicasag Island, effective Sept. 9.
The closure of the PIPS came after recent deliberations by DENR and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) in a meeting, considering also the recommendation of Gov. Erico Aristotle for the closure of the protected area to unregulated human activity, which has led to massive coral destruction in the area.
The meeting was attended by Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay and Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen and representatives from people’s organizations and government and tourism sectors.
Last week, videos of snorkeling swimmers and their local guide showing their names written on table corals circulated online.
The unregulated human activity in the snorkeling site near the Virgin island in Pungtod and in Gak-ang, has shown the different degrees of destruction of corals and the damage of the reef areas caused by human touch, such as the accidental breaking off of the corals by snorkelers using long fins or getting trampled by them or by boatmen who drop their anchors anywhere in the shallows.
However, exempted from the order are the fish cage operators of Danao United Fishermen’s Association (DUFA), which has its fish cage in the area.
Following the post of corals getting ruined by a group of snorkelers, Aumentado issued an alert asking for information about the identity of the snorkeling guide and the boatman who brought the guests that led to the coral damage.
Two days later, with a reward money reaching P200,000, the local police in Panglao reported the surrender of the snorkeling guide.
PIPS, as well as the biodiversity of the seas off Panglao and all over Bohol, have been among the reasons why UNESCO enrolled Bohol in the global system of geoparks.
The geopark designation, however, operates on the sustainable practices implemented by communities for the perpetuation of the resource.
The Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) also issued an advisory to all dive shop operators, dive guides, and snorkeling guides to be responsible for protecting corals and the zero tolerance for coral damage and vandalism.
“As stewards of our precious marine resources, it is our collective responsibility to ensure the protection and preservation of the coral reefs that are vital to the biodiversity and sustainability of our marine environment,” the advisory stated.
“Corals are sensitive and can be easily damaged by human contact, leading to long-term harm or death of the organism,” the BPTO said.
On the other hand, BPTO also reminded the public that defacing or vandalizing corals is a violation of the environmental laws, such as Sec. 96 of the Philippine Fisheries Code, Sec. 20 of the expanded National Integrated Protected Areas Systems Act (RA 11038) as well as Section 33 of the Panglao Environment Code.
The BPTO also reminded dive and marine activities stakeholders to implement mandatory orientations in the form of pre-dive briefings, emphasizing the importance of protecting coral reefs, while dive masters must actively monitor divers and intervene at the first sign of non-compliance.
BPTO also called on dive guides to lead by example and demonstrate proper behavior underwater and ensure that all divers and snorkelers under their care are aware of the diving protocols and environmental guidelines. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)
