Environmentalists put up 1st mooring base in Bicol

By Zyra D. Ponce

The Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) Sorsogon Chapter in partnership with JAD Marketing and Cubo Republik, has recently launched its first-ever mooring base at Pagul Beach Resort in Bon-ot, Bacon, Sorsogon City, in line with its advocacy to create sustainable projects which support natural resources and development.

Sorsogon environmental warriors initiated the underwater installation of mooring buoys for purposes of scuba diving courses in potential dive sites, whereby instead of anchoring the training guide line in hard corals, which could cause extreme damage them, the bouys will serve as an artificial platform to protect the coral reefs.

The underwater installation activity was led by professional scuba divers from the Donsol-based Bicol Dive Center assisted by the Precision Tourism Quartet (PTQ) of Sorsogon.

The activity was attended by Rodel Lita, RAID Dive instructor-trainer; Arvee T. Lodronio, R.N. Juban, Sorsogon MDRRM officer; Jude Tumalad of JAD Marketing; Meriel Jadie and Sheila Jadie of Cubo Republik; PIEP Sorsogon chapter president, Engr/EnP Orlando F. Huenda, and his officers.

Richard P. Nabua, PTQ development manager and PRO, said the underwater installation of mooring buoys is just one of the different lined-up activities of PIEP for this year. He further added that the group is serious in protecting the planet and in helping people.

PIEP Sorsogon chapter is a non-government organization, which is committed to explore new possibilities and join innovative ways to protect the coral reefs system being an integral part of the ecosystem.

The group wants to ensure that potential dive sites in the region are both ready to be admired and protected.