Boxing – WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is lobbying elected officials and local industry to rehabilitate the marine sanctuaries of Sarangani Bay, according to his congressional office. In Wednesday’s statement, the first-term congressman wants to implement measures that preserve the mangroves of Sarangani Bay.
Mangroves are tropical shrubs that are common in the Philippines, which grow in shallow marshes near the shore. Land developers often remove these low trees to reclaim shores for beach resorts, hotels and housing.
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“To our fisher folks and concerned individuals, we should always instill into our minds that we are only stewards of God?s Divine Providence, therefore, as stewards we should take good care of what has been allowed by God for us to use so that the next generation can also avail it,” said Pacquiao.
Dynamite Fishing >
The province has seen an increase in illegal dynamite fishing with little or no law enforcement or oversight. The sport’s pound-for-pound king, who is a frequent scuba diver, wants to implement numerous ecological programs in Sarangani (historically one of the poorest provinces in the country): Reforestation projects near the shoreline in order to prevent landslides from mining and illegal logging activity. Fish seeding to increase the daily catch of local fisherman. (General Santos City is considered the “tuna capital” of the Philippines.) Protection and rehabilitation of coral reefs which are instrumental in maintaining and growing fish population. Safeguarding endangered sea turtles, sea cows, whales and other marine wildlife.
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“Most of the corals were wrecked,” said Pacquiao in a recent inspection. “I want these illegal doings [to] be addressed in the soonest . . . possible time. I am requesting all concerned agencies to conduct a thorough investigation or to take a deeper look into it, arrest and jail those behind it . . . please do help me in protecting and in rehabilitating our marine sanctuaries for the sake of our environment and the generations to come.”
Speaking to provincial officials, he added: “I just want to remind you that you should carry out your duties and responsibilities in protecting our land and marine resources.”
