Majestic thresher sharks and white tip sharks are among the major attractions of Malapascua, a small island off Cebu’s northern tip, which constantly evokes interest among scuba divers from all over the world.
However, illegal and destructive fishing methods and poaching remain rampant in Malapascua Island and the rest of the Municipality of Daanbantayan, threatening its abundant marine life.
Thus, to address the issue, Globe lent its support to Project Shark Shelter, a community-based, multi-stakeholder project founded by Save Philippine Seas in Malapascua Island in 2012 which aims to intensify the protection of Monad Shoal and establish Malapascua as a model in marine conservation through engagement and education of community stakeholders.
“Corporate social responsibility has gone beyond the immediate business on hand. Rather, this has translated into a corporate framework that fosters the long-term sustainability of the environment which can only be attained if we work hand-in-hand with the communities which we serve,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe CSR Director.
Aside from Malapascua, Globe has already adopted other critical environmental areas such as the Cordillera mountain ranges, Taal Lake, Arakan Forest Corridor, and Boracay to encourage communities to be proactive in protecting their natural resources and saving them from further destruction.
Globe is, likewise, helping the island achieve social and economic development through good governance, volunteerism, and access to social services to give more value to the community.
Globe sponsored a three-day training on Coastal Law Enforcement at the Daanbantayan Municipal Hall which was attended by over 40 Bantay Dagat aspirants from 15 coastal barangays and two island barangays.
The training program consisted of lectures, workshops, and hands-on sessions on how to eliminate illegal fishing activities. Topics included coastal and resource management awareness, local and provincial legislations, mapping and navigation skills, and detection of fish caught with noxious substances and explosives. On the last day, the attendees participated in mock seaborne operations.
Upon meeting the requirements set by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Municipality of Daanbantayan, the participants will become Bantay Dagat personnel who may enforce all fishery laws, rules and regulations, and all relevant ordinances inside the territorial jurisdiction of Daanbantayan.
Earlier, Globe also turned over computer laboratories to Logon Elementary School and Logon High School in Malapascua, each consisting of an 11-user Multipoint System to enhance the learning experience of the students who have been suffering from lack of effective teaching materials and to further educate them on marine conservation.