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By SHIELA MAE BUTLIG
Correspondent

MISAMIS Oriental’s primary source of aquatic resources is facing serious threats because of the rapid increase in economic activities.

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Marine biologist Josefino Bascug, a capitol consultant on environmental concerns, said this even as he pointed out that unless the government and other stakeholders in the province acted on the problem at Macajalar Bay, the province would soon lose a major fishing ground.

He said the deterioration of Macajalar Bay has started to affect the entire marine ecosystem. Bascug called on citizens to help through proper waste disposal. He said garbage largely contributes to the damages on the province’s marine resources.

Bascug’s appeal came as the capitol and the Steag State Power Inc. inaugurated the Agutayan Watchtower and Light House Project was inaugurated on Friday at the Agutayan white island some five kilometers off Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.

Agutayan White Island is 20-30 minutes away from the Kimaya Port of Jasaan. The project was a joint undertaking of the provincial government, the Department of Energy (DOE), Steag, and the Jasaan town government.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano, together with SPI president and chief executive Dr. Bodo Goerlich led the inauguration rites.

The watchtower is a two-storey structure with a total floor area of about 84 square meters. It has an observation deck equipped with a solar-powered LED lighting system. Project cost of P6.6 million was taken out of the Misamis Oriental provincial government’s share in a social fund that accrues from the electricity sales of Steag pursuant to ER 1-94 of the Department of Energy (DOE).

Virtually a sandbar surrounded by green waters teeming with marine life, Agutayan Island is located some five kilometers off the coast in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. It is one of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Misamis Oriental, with approximately 5,000 square meters of white sand that sits on a 4.5 hectare marine sanctuary that provides a favourable breeding ground for endangered marine species. As an MPA, Agutayan Island is essential for the attainment of a healthy balance of marine biodiversity for the entire expanse of the Macajalar Bay. It is home to several giant clams and other endangered marine species.

Considered as one of the priorities of the provincial government’s eco-tourism development programs, the Agutayan Watch Tower Project is an affirmation of a vibrant partnership between the government and the private sector geared towards attaining a more balanced development in the Macajalar Bay area.

Goerlich reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible business practices at the same time supporting efforts in community development and environmental conservation.

“We reaffirm our commitment to help improve the quality of life of the people especially in our host communities in Misamis Oriental not only through the electric power that we supply, but also through our various community development and environmental conservation programs” Goerlich said.

Emano, for his part, said the project would enhance the capability to manage more effectively the local coastal marine resources through effective monitoring and enforcement of laws.

Marine researchers can also do their research on the watchtower, said Emano. He said the watchtower is also an addition to Misamis Oriental’s tourism attractions.

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