CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Local officials, divers, and volunteers were joined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in a coastal cleanup and installing artificial reefs at Driftwood Beach in Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City.
Dubbed “Scuba-Surero and Artificial Reef Deployment,” the activity formed part of the city’s annual “Making Riverth Possible” program, which promotes environmental protection and community participation in the rehabilitation of local ecosystems.
DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office -Olongapo chief Edward Sernadilla said around 30 divers and non-diving volunteers participated in the activity with the DENR providing personnel, equipment, and technical assistance for the reef deployment and other coastal rehabilitation activities.
The artificial reefs are expected to provide additional habitat and refuge for fish and other marine organisms while contributing to the rehabilitation of degraded coastal ecosystems.
For her part, Marife Castillo, DENR-Zambales provincial environment and natural resources officer, stressed the importance of community participation in marine conservation. “By working with local government and volunteers to deploy artificial reefs and remove debris, we help rebuild fish habitat and protect livelihoods that depend on a healthy sea.”
The activity drew support from the Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., SBMA Harbor Patrol, and Olongapo Zambales Divers Association.
DENR Region 3 executive director Ralph Pablo said the agency will continue to support similar initiatives across Central Luzon. “This partnership shows how government agencies, local stakeholders, and the diving community can combine resources and expertise to strengthen marine conservation. We will monitor the sites to ensure that the reefs provide long-term ecological benefits.” DENR-3/Punto News Team
