Radaza to meet DENR-7 officials, dive operators

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza is meeting today representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 and other stakeholders to discuss ways on how to protect corals in Kontiki Wall from vandalism.

Radaza called the meeting after Andy Berame, coordinator of Lapu-Lapu City Task Force Kalikasan, and his team discovered last weekend writings on a coral in one of the city’s dive sites.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje also instructed his field officials in the region to step in and see what they could do on the matter. Paje reportedly learned of the incident after reading a story published in the Philippine Star.

Berame said they are already trying to trace the culprit, an unidentified diver wrote the name “Ritche” on a table coral in Kontiki Wall in Barangay Maribago.

“Ato siyang patubagon sa maximum provision sa RA 8550 (Fisheries Code of the Philippines),” said Berame.

Berame said they are now asking individuals to coordinate with them to locate the diver.

A person found guilty of violating this law can be meted with a minimum of six months and a maximum of four years imprisonment. Berame said vandalism per se is already illegal “how much more if it is done to a living thing like the corals.”

Radaza has also scheduled a separate meeting on Monday with dive shop operators to remind them that they also have a responsibility to protect the source of their income.

“Naa puy responsibilidad ang mga dive shop owners to protect the dive sites. Kay kung wa’y corals, wa pud sila’y negosyo,” Berame said.

The mayor and dive shop operators are expected to enter into a covenant on Wednesday for the protection of the dive sites. — (FREEMAN)