Sarangani’s kamanga marine eco-tourism park and sanctuary cited as one of Philippines best

MANILA, Philippines - The Kamanga Marine Eco-Tourism Park and Sanctuary of Maasim, Sarangani was recently named one of Para el Mar (For the Sea) Awards’ Most Outstanding Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines. Located within the vicinity of the Alsons Power Group’s Sarangani Energy Corp. (SEC) power plant, the marine protected area underscores the Alsons Power Group’s commitment to preserve and protect the environment in all the areas where it operates. In 2009, SEC partnered with the Maasim local government unit and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation to launch the Artificial Reef Deployment project in a bid to restore Sarangani Bay’s rich marine and coastal life. Apart from leading the distribution of about 4,300 concrete artificial reefs in the bay area to date, SEC also joined hands with community partners to release two million healthy bangus fry and planted close to 35,000 mangrove seedlings in a span of five years to ensure the coastal health of Maasim. Para el Mar, which is now on its fifth year, is a biennial event organized by MPA Support Network, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the UP Marine Science Institute and other partners.