Cebu to mark Coral Triangle Day

CEBU, Philippines - The Province of Cebu and other private sectors will join the six countries, also known as CT6 countries, in South East Asia and the Pacific in celebrating the Coral Triangle Day on June 9.

Aside from the local government, at least five big hotels in Lapu-Lapu City will also have activities in line with the celebration.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 Director Isabelo Montejo earlier discussed the activities with Governor Hilario Davide III and Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano, who chairs the PB committee on environmental protection.

 Montejo explained the Philippines plays a very important role in this marine eco-region because unlike the other five countries where only a portion is part of the Coral Triangle, the entire Philippine archipelago is part of it.

“We need to work together to protect and conserve our marine ecosystems by encouraging everyone to join our cause,” said Montejo.

Now on its third year, the CT6 countries have been celebrating June 9 with various events from sustainable seafood day to children’s workshop to beach clean-up and ocean parades.

 The DENR and the Province of Cebu will hold simultaneous mangrove planting and beach clean-up in the entire province.

 The Shangri-la Mactan will hold short writing contest in partnership with the Zoological Society of London while Imperial Palace will conduct children’s workshop in partnership with Marie Ernestine School.

 The Crimson Resort will hold underwater clean-up called “Fight against Debris”; Ocean Film Showing for Plantation Bay, and Sustainable Seafood Day for Movenpick Resort.

 Together, the resorts plan to hold a large marine mammal rescue training for three days in collaboration with the Cebu Marine Animal Rescue Network.

 The Sea Knights will also hold a two-day information and educational campaign activity with the children of the islands and the fisherfolks in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Coral Triangle is one of the three great ecological complexes on the planet, together with the Congo Basin and the Amazon Rainforest. It is a vast ocean expanse that geographically spreads across the so-called CT6 countries of Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor Lest.

 The Coral Triangle Day is an annual, open-sourced event that brings together individuals, organizations, and establishments on one special day of the year to shed light on ocean conservation and the numerous ways to protect and conserve the Coral Triangle. — (FREEMAN)