The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) hosted two environmental activities with the Scubasurero and mangrove seedling planting in Loon on July 7, 2023. These activities are part of Sandugo sa Bohol 2023’s Atiman stream, promoting community outreach and civic engagement among Boholanos.

Held at the Loon Marine Uplifted Terrace in Basdacu, Loon, a recognized Geosite of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGP), various stakeholders led by the Bohol Provincial Environment Office (BPEMO) and participated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO), DENR- Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Bohol Island State University (BISU) Clarin and Candijay Campus, Holy Name University (HNU), Basdacu People’s Associations, Pentagon Drum and Bugle Corporation, and the Provincial Information and Media Office (PIMO), planted 800 Pagatpat (Sonneratia Sp) and Bungalon (Avicennia Sp) mangrove seedlings.

This activity is part of the Trees for Unity Program of Governor Aris Aumentado, aimed at restoring the loss of mangrove trees in the area caused by Typhoon Odette in 2021 and the 7.2 Earthquake in 2013.

Meanwhile, part of the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef, a geosite of the Bohol Island UGGP situated in Barangay Mocpoc Sur between Cabilao Island and Sandingan, was cleaned through a reef cleanup by divers from the BPEMO Coastal Resources Management Team, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), the Tagbilaran City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and LGU Loon.

Divers collected eight kilos of garbage, including fish nets, bottles, food wrappers, and diapers, along with 42 Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTs), considered invasive species in the area. They were also able to get rid of debris and garbage polluting the sea floor, making it safer for marine life to thrive in their ecosystem. (PIMO/GMC)