Negros Occidental Tourism

The Sagay City governmentand the Negros Occidental government, Second Congressional District,in cooperation with the German Technical Cooperation constructeda two-storey watchtower with a solar equipment, to further strengthen the protection of the Panal Reef recently, a press release from Sagay said.

Officials and stakeholders headed by Sagay Mayor Alfredo Marañon, Jr.led the inauguration and blessing of the P3.5 million watchtower,with one of the richest fishing grounds in the country, the Visayan Sea as backdrop.

Marañon urged everyone to make an effort to advocate the protection and conservation oftheseas, the press release said.

He said,“The Visayas was once called the Alaska of the Philippine because of its rich fishing grounds and we should do our part in conserving this God’s creation and ensure its sustainability so that the next generation could this be able to enjoy them.”

Sagay Marine Reserve Protected Area Superintendent, Mayo Antonio Cueva,saidthePanal Reef, a 200-hectare reef,is one of the three fringing reefs of the 32,000 hectare protected seascape ofthe Sagay Marine Reserve.

SMR is one of the largest protected seascapes in the country and has been sought after by scientists, marine biologists, students and researches for its successful marine conservation program, the press release said.

DENR-CENR officer, Andres Untal, said the inauguration of the tower is a significant occasion and signifiedthe continuing support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Fr. Erwin Magnanao officiated at the blessing rites attended bycity administrator Perfecto Marañon,Jezreel Alingco, City Planning Officer Rodnel de los Reyes,Charie Cangque,Accountant Jessie Calizar, Agriculturist Jerelu Ganancial, SagayCityPNP Chief Col. Gabriel Guiterrez,NONESCOSTPresidentDr. Rogelio Artajo, Executive Asst. IV Arthur Christopher Marañon, Atty. Charice Marañon, NNMARC executive director Wally Afuang, Molocaboc Brgy. Captain Antonio Pasaylo, Tiglawigan Brgy. Kagawad Rolando Batusbatusan, personnel of rotected Area Management Board, Sagay Marine Reserve, Bantay Dagat membersand other stakeholders, the press release added.*

From: Visayan Daily Star (www.visayandailystar.com)