Groundbreaking of P1.2-M coastal resource management center for Siquijor held

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, June 5 (PIA) -- The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF), Inc. recently held groundbreaking rites for its P1.2-million coastal resource management learning center in Larena town, Siquijor province. 

In a press release submitted to the Philippine Information Agency, Renan Ansing of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit-7, Siquijor said the building is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), US Department of State, Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit or German Development Service (DED) and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. 

Before the groundbreaking, a contract was signed by CCEF executive director Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio together with Dr. Rolito Estrellado, representative of State Universities and Colleges (SUC), and the contractor to formalize their cooperation in the construction and development of the learning center in the island, Lapinig said. 

Osorio, in the report, said there are two projects established in the whole country: the Fish Center in Talibon, Bohol and the Learning Center to be built in Siquijor. 

“This is the only Learning Center for the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Project in the Philippines as foreign-funded through CCEF,” she said. 

Osorio said the learning center is the best symbol of strong implementation of all CRM projects in the island for the last ten years. 

She announced that in the next few months, there are foreign guests from Malaysia and Vietnam who will make cross visits to the learning center in Siquijor. 

“It is with this pride that Siquijor has this center to benefit not only students, farmers and fishermen but to some local government units as well,” she added. 

Osorio said the strong implementation of marine protected areas, technical assistance to fisherfolks, foreshore area fisheries project and training on coastal law enforcement in Central Visayas, particularly in the municipalities of Oslob, Boljoon, Moalboal, Alcoy in Cebu; Dauin in Negros Oriental; and the island of Siquijor were facilitated by Michelle Baird, Rizaller Amolo, and Reann Catitig. 

On the other hand, the provincial government of Siquijor represented by Provincial Board Member Arturo Pacatang lauded the initiative of the foundation and promised to continually support the programs and projects CCEF will implement in the island. 

Pacatang and Provincial Agriculturist, Dr. Ramon A. Taroc, joined the laying of time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony with municipal agricultural officers, fishery coordinators and officials, among others. 

The groundbreaking ceremony was headed by CCEF executive director Osorio. (rmn/RAC/PIA-7 Siquijor w/ reports from RLAnsing/DA-RFU-7-Siquijor)