By Kurt Lansangan

BOAC, Marinduque, Philippines — The Municipal Government of Torrijos has deployed 1,000 concrete reef blocks to restore marine habitats, conserve biodiversity, and protect the town’s coastal and marine resources.

The initiative was initially introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through Provincial Director Bernardo Caringal and was subsequently continued by the Municipal Government of Torrijos under the leadership of Mayor Joey P. Peñaflor.

“The deployment of the reef blocks serves as a concrete measure toward marine habitat restoration and the sustainable management of the municipality’s marine resources,” Caringal said.

The implementation of the project involved various offices and community partners. Among those that supported the initiative were the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) led by MENRO-designate Jun A. Recaña, the Municipal Engineering Office, Office for Agricultural Services, including the Bantay Dagat and other agricultural personnel, and the Sangguniang Barangay of Poctoy.

The project also received support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), under OIC-PENR Officer Cesar P. Odi, as well as the Marinduque State University (MarSU) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which contributed to the coordination and implementation of activities related to marine conservation and resource protection.

“The initiative aims to restore marine ecosystems, as well as support biodiversity conservation and promote the sustainable use and protection of the municipality’s marine resources,” Caringal added. (KL/AS/JBG/PIA-MMAROPA-Marinduque/Photo from LGU Torrijos)