03/03/2026
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐จ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ. ๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ฒ, ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ง
In celebration of World Seagrass Day, CENRO Mambusao successfully conducted a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) activity on March 2, 2026, in Brgy. Lonoy, Sapian. The activity gathered 31 participants composed of fisherfolk, coastal residents and Bantay Dagat members.
The program formally opened with an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem through an audio-visual presentation.
The Punong Barangay of Lonoy, Hon. Pancho Orario, delivered his opening message emphasizing the importance of initiatives spearheaded by Local Government Units (LGUs) and National Government Agencies. He highlighted that such programs directly benefit the community, especially since many residents rely heavily on marine resources for their livelihood. He stressed that awareness on marine ecosystem conservation, particularly seagrass ecosystems, is crucial in promoting sustainable livelihood and responsible resource use.
The Municipal Agriculturist and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) Officer of Sapian, Maโam Deodith Grace H. Baticbatic, also delivered a heartfelt message underscoring the vital role of the community in practicing proper fishing methods and sustainable coastal resource management. She emphasized that supporting initiatives such as CEPA on Seagrass strengthens awareness and ensures that marine resources will continue to sustain both present and future generations. She highlighted the message: โ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.โ
The OIC-CENR Officer of CENRO Mambusao, Jonne L. Adaniel, RPF, MPA, delivered an informative message on the ecological roles and importance of seagrass ecosystems. He emphasized that seagrasses serve as nursery grounds for marine organisms, contribute to shoreline protection, improve water quality and enhance fisheries productivity, further reinforcing the need for collective conservation efforts.
For the lecture proper, Ms. Myrine E. Gonzaga, Chief of the Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Unit (CRFMU), presented โ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.โ She highlighted the global and local significance of seagrasses, their ecological functions, threats such as destructive fishing practices, pollution and climate change, and the need for proactive community action. She also discussed the Philippinesโ rich seagrass diversity and its responsibility in marine conservation.
Ms. Tia May Olivar, Fisheries Extension Officer, delivered her presentation entitled โ๐ฒ๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐: ๐ฐ๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐พ๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐๐
.โ She discussed the current condition of Sapianโs marine resources, existing environmental challenges and strategic actions such as strengthened law enforcement, sustainable fishing practices and community participation in coastal resource management and proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
In her closing remarks, Forester Jeanylyn S. Anacan, Chief of the Conservation and Development Section (CDS), emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility among government agencies, local leaders and the community. She expressed gratitude for the active participation of attendees and the strong support of partner LGUs, stressing that sustained cooperation is essential in achieving long-term environmental protection and sustainable development.
Distribution of Seagrass CEPA materials to the MENR Office of Sapian, the BLGU of Brgy. Lonoy and the participants to further strengthen awareness and promote active community engagement in protecting marine ecosystems.
Through this initiative, CENRO Mambusao reaffirmed its commitment to advancing coastal resilience, sustainable fisheries and environmental stewardship in the Municipality of Sapian.
